Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

There are many ways to express solidarity. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra represents moral support for a nation at war and material assistance for the musicians. The ensemble was assembled in 2022 at the initiative of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Polish National Opera in Warsaw. It includes refugees forced to flee their country for safety, Ukrainian members of European orchestras, and musicians of Ukraine-based ensembles. The proceeds from the tour will be used to help struggling artists, yet the symbolic dimension of the endeavour is just as important—the sense of togetherness that music can create.

As last year, the orchestra is led by Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, for whom the job has both artistic and personal significance.

The Ukrainian Freedom Tour takes place from 12 July to 4 August 2024. It will start in Paris, France, then take the orchestra to the concert venues in Poland, the UK, New York, and Washington.

12 July – Saint-Eustache Church, Paris, France
14 July – Polish National Opera, Warsaw
23 July – CRIST Shipyard, Gdynia
29 July – Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK
1 August – St. John the Divine Cathedral, New York, USA
4 August – Kennedy Centre, Washington, USA

PROGRAMME:

Ludwig van Beethoven 
SYMPHONY NO. 9

Olga Bezsmertna – soprano
Nataliia Kukhar – mezzo-soprano
Valentyn Dytiuk – tenor
Andrii Kymach – bass-baritone

Victoria Poleva
BUCHA. LACRIMOSA

Marko Komonko – violin

Keri-Lynn Wilson – conductor
Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Choir in Białystok
Violetta Bielecka – chorus master