Ukrainian orchestra to perform in UK despite turmoil

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (NSOU) is coming back to the UK this week after more than 20 years.

Their first performance will happen at the Forum in Bath. Bristol Beacon will be hosting the event.

The tour is a chance for Ukraine to show their music and culture while dealing with the conflict with Russia.

They want to collect £24,000 by selling tickets at 17 different places in the UK to help the NSOU.

The NSOU has decided to go on a tour in the UK as a part of its efforts to “fight the war on the cultural front“.

The first tour show will happen at the Bath Forum on Tuesday.

To show that the UK supports Ukraine during the conflict, the NSOU has been asked to visit the House of Commons and meet with important members of Parliament.

The UK government has decided to not charge the visa fees for the 90 members of the orchestra.
‘We have strong feelings’

Alexander Hornostai, who manages and produces NSOU, said that they are happy to come back to the UK after 22 years. They want to make Ukrainian culture known worldwide. They have strong feelings when they perform and express their emotions through music.

One side has pain, sadness, and suffering. The other side has hope for Ukraine’s victory and a good future for our country.

With no planes going in or out of the country, the whole group of people in the orchestra have to travel on a bus for 20 hours and cross two borders that have fighting happening, to get to Warsaw, Poland.

Members will then get on a plane to go to Heathrow Airport. British Airways is helping with this flight.

A fundraiser has been created by the tour promoters, IMG Artists, with a goal of collecting £24,000. All the money collected will be given directly to the orchestra.

The goal is set based on the estimated number of 24,000 people in the UK who are expected to be reached.

Todd Wills, the person in charge of Bristol Beacon, said: “This special trip is a chance to demonstrate that the people of the UK support them and understand the significance of Ukrainian culture. We hope many local people will come to see them and give them a warm welcome. ”