On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Independence, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra opened a tour in Warsaw

Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra concert in Warsaw

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In Warsaw, at the Grand Theatre - National Opera, a concert of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson, took place on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. This event marked the opening of the orchestra's fifth international tour, named Invincible Tour 2026. The concert was held under the honorary patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, who addressed the audience via video message.

The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, created in 2022 at the initiative of Keri-Lynn Wilson in collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Polish National Opera in Warsaw, unites Ukrainian musicians, including those who have been forced to leave Ukraine due to the full-scale Russian aggression, as well as performers who continue their activities in Ukraine.

'The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra performs an important mission - it represents Ukraine as a cultural ambassador, introducing international audiences to Ukrainian music and dignifiedly presenting it alongside European classics.' Tetyana Filevska, Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine

She also emphasized that supporting Ukrainian culture at this time is a form of resistance to Russian aggression, urging that each concert should be 'another voice in support of Ukraine, its freedom, and its culture.'

Invincible Tour 2026 plans

As part of the Invincible Tour 2026, the orchestra will visit several cities, including:

• Lincoln Center in New York
• St. Paul's Cathedral in London
• Concertgebouw in Amsterdam
• Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg
• National Concert Hall in Dublin

In each of these cities, a new work 'Gloria' by Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak will be performed. The event also featured the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, who noted that:

'Russia destroys - we build. Russia destroys - we create. And with this, we prove that Ukraine makes a significant contribution to world culture.' Vasyl Bodnar, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland

He added that 'your presence today alongside us is yet another testimony that Ukraine is not alone in this struggle.'

The concert received support from the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. During the event, the initiative of the Olena Zelenska Foundation 'Safe School' was also presented. This project aims to support children affected by the war in Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of safe learning in times of conflict.

This concert is an important event not only from a cultural perspective but also as a symbol of support for Ukraine in the context of war. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra continues its mission by presenting Ukrainian culture on the international stage and highlighting its significance in the modern world. Scheduled performances in other cities around the world indicate the orchestra's intentions to strengthen cultural ties and raise awareness of Ukrainian issues at a global level.