With three huge yellow-and-blue Ukraine flags draped across the front of the house, New York’s Metropolitan Opera held a benefit for that besieged nation last night.

The concert, which was directed by Canada’s Yannick Nezet Segiun, began with the Ukrainian National Anthem, sung by 23 year old Ukrainian bass-baritone Vladyslav Buialskyi

Last week Met general manager Peter Gelb dropped star Russian soprano Anna Netrebko from future performances over her failure to condemn Russia President Vladimir Putin.  Gelb received a standing ovation.

Some 3,600 patrons paid $25.00 per seat with more money raised online.

The concert was broadcast on radio world-wide, including on Ukrainian public radio.