Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

24 February 2025 marks three years since the Russian Federation mounted a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Faced with the worst crisis in post-war Europe, the Ukrainian nation has been a shining example of military, social, civic, and cultural mobilisation. Their heroic stance in the fight for democratic values is an inspiration for the whole of Europe.

Already in 2022, just months after the start of the full-scale invasion, the Metropolitan Opera in New York represented by its general manager Peter Gelb and the Polish National Operain Warsaw led by general director Waldemar Dąbrowski, joined forces to form the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra. Solidarity may be expressed in many ways. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is both an expression of spiritual support for a fighting nation and a way to help the musicians materially. The ensemble is made up of refugees who were forced to flee their homeland for safety, Ukrainian members of European orchestras, and musicians of Ukraine-based ensembles.

The orchestra is led by Keri-Lynn Wilson, a Canadian conductor of Ukrainian origin who originated the idea and for whom the project has both artistic and personal significance.

PROGRAMME

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor Op. 125

PERFORMERS

Olga Bezsmertna soprano
Nataliia Kukhar mezzo-soprano
Vasyl Solodkyy tenor
Vladyslav Buialsky bass-baritone

Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Choir

Keri-Lynn Wilson conductor