On June 2, the Metropolitan Opera in New York unveiled the first excerpt from the upcoming opera «Mother of Kherson», which portrays the struggles of Ukrainian mothers embarking on a perilous journey to bring their children home.

This opera was composed by Ukrainian artist Maxim Kolomiiets in collaboration with American playwright George Brant. The storyline is based on true accounts of women from Kherson who crossed the front lines to free their children from filtration camps in occupied Crimea.

The world premiere is set for October 2026 at the Polish National Opera in Warsaw, and the Metropolitan Opera itself will stage it in the 2027–2028 season. Renowned soprano Erin Morley will perform one of the lead roles, with conductor Kerry-Lynn Wilson and Polish director Barbara Wysocka overseeing the production.

«We want the world to remember the ongoing tragedy. This is our artistic way of reminding everyone», — stated Metropolitan Opera's General Director Peter Gelb.

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Metropolitan Opera has actively supported Ukraine, including the establishment of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, halting collaborations with artists who endorse Putin's regime, and regularly hosting charity concerts for Ukrainian aid.