National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine returns for first time in over 20 years

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Bristol Beacon News

Tuesday 3 Oct 2023

The final preparations are underway for the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (NSOU) as it returns to the UK for the first time in over 20 years this month.

Its inaugural performance will take place at the Forum in Bath, presented by Bristol Beacon as part of our orchestral programme.

The NSOU is one of the oldest and most significant cultural institutions in Ukraine and is recognised as one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe.

With no flights in and out of the country, the entire orchestra will take a 20 hour coach journey across two borders through the war zone to Warsaw, Poland. The members will then board a flight to Heathrow, supported by British Airways, to begin their 17-date tour of the UK in Bath.

A special message from the NSOU

“We feel emotional every time we perform now as we convey what is in our hearts through music. On the one hand, there is pain, sadness, suffering, and on the other hand, faith in the victory of Ukraine and the prosperous future of our country.

We have had to learn to live for today, in the present moment.”

Alexander Hornostai, Managing Director and Producer of the NSOU

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

An orchestra stand for applause in a large concert hall

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Tue 17 Oct 2023, 19:30
Bath Forum

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Repertoire

The repertoire for the performance at the Forum has been carefully selected by the orchestra to resonate with the country’s current situation. The programme includes:

Boris Lyatoshynsky Grazhyna Symphonic Picture
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No 1
Jean Sibelius Symphony No 1

Lyatoshynsky’s music was greatly admired by his friend Dmitri Shostakovich and the NSOU has premiered his works in the past.

The orchestra is proud of its great national composer, whose depictions of the struggle for national freedom make his music particularly apt to be performed on this tour.

Raising funds

Another unique element of the UK 2023 tour is that, in addition to providing a UK-wide platform for the orchestra to perform, it is also fundraising to support the NSOU and the continuation of Ukraine’s rich musical culture during this conflict.

A Just Giving appeal with a target of £24,000 has been set up by the tour promoters, IMG Artists, and is being promoted by all 17 concert venues.

All proceeds will be donated directly to the orchestra at the end of their tour.