norman lebrecht
May 12, 2026
A senior figure at the Royal Opera House has written to the embattled prime minister, urging him to press the state of Georgia to release the international bass Paata Burchuladze, whom it has jailed for seven years.
Head of casting Peter Katona appealed to the PM: ‘I am writing to draw your urgent attention to the situation of the world-renowned Georgian opera singer and our dear friend Paata Burchuladze, who is currently held in pre-trial detention and is under the criminal investigation by the pro-Russian, authoritarian regime in Georgia.
‘The charges brought against Mr Burchuladze are entirely fabricated and unlawful. He is being persecuted solely because of his critical stance toward the ruling regime.
‘Unfortunately, Paata Burchuladze is now among more than 100 political prisoners in Georgia. During recent peaceful demonstrations, more than 500 people were arrested, and more than 300 reported torture and ill treatment.
‘Your attention and solidarity would mean a great deal to the people of Georgia, who are striving to preserve freedom, human rights, and their democratic future.’
A similar appeal was sent to the Belgian prime minister by Christina Scheppelmann, artistic director at La Monnaie.
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