“Reminding world of freedom values”: Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra gives concert in New York

Ukrinform reports.

The concert was held as part of the band's third world tour of Europe and the United States. It was attended by hundreds of spectators, including diplomats accredited to the UN.

According to the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, the orchestra, under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska, “firmly defends the cultural heritage of Ukraine on the cultural front.”

“This is not just a piece of music, it is a reminder to the world of the values of freedom, determination and resistance, as well as a powerful symbol of our struggle and resilience,” the Permanent Mission said.

It is noted that a special feature of this concert was the performance in Ukrainian of the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven with lyrics by Friedrich Schiller, which this year marks the 200th anniversary of its creation.

“Art not only helps us to survive times of suffering and tragedy, it transforms simple existence into life,” said Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Serhiy Kyslytsia, speaking before the concert, reminding that Beethoven's melody has become the official anthem of the EU.

“Ode to Joy pierced the heart of my friend Keri-Lynn, who is now performing it around the world with the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in the third year of this brutal war of aggression,” Kyslytsia said.

For reference. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra was created on the initiative of Wilson in cooperation with the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Polish National Opera, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, MCIP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and with the support of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

The orchestra consists of Ukrainian musicians who were forced to leave Ukraine due to the war, as well as those who have been performing in well-known musical groups for a long time.

In July, the orchestra gave concerts in Paris, Warsaw, Gdynia, London, and on July 4, and will perform in Washington, D.C., on August 4.

• In Ukraine, on Thursday, August 1, a pre-premiere screening of the documentary project about mobilization, A Soldier's Way, which tells the story of three heroes who joined the Armed Forces, took place.