Concert for Ukraine
Music can keep the hope for a better day, and the believe in humanity and solidarity alive.
For almost two years now, war is raging in Ukraine. Countless civilians have fled their country, leaving behind everything they have. More that a hundred thousand have found refuge in the Netherlands; many of whom are hosted in the homes of those volunteering to do so. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra wants to give a helping hand as well. Musicians may not have the power to end a war, but music can keep the hope for a better day, and the believe in humanity and solidarity alive.
Therefore, as a gesture of solidarity, we invited thirteen Ukranian musicians that have fled to come and give a concert together. On Saturday 13 January, the will share the music stand with the members of our orchestra. The young Ukainian supertalent Olha Dondyk joins as a conductor, Ukranian pianists Antonii Baryshevskyi and Anna Fedorova will play in works by Silvestrov and Chopin.
'Music matters,' says Anna Fedorova. 'Music makes you feel what you are willing to fight for, it gives us perspective, and that is something very powerful.' As a concert visitor, your presence would strengthen this feeling even more.
The proceeds and donations for this concert all go to War Child: No child has ever started a war. Even so, 230 million children worldwide grow up in situations of war and violence. They feel unsafe, scared, aggresive and are afraid of seeking out aid. Warchild provides them with psycho-social support, protection and education. Globally. Through music, sports and playing games, we help these children to process their impactful experiences. This way, they are able to regain their self-confidence and their ability to confide in others. This is of great importance, because children should never have to experience a war. Ever.
This concert is made possible by the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra All the proceeds and donations go directly to War Child.
Courtesy of De Doelen, PolyHymnia and Polycast
Programme & performers
Lunyov Libera me for string orchestra
Silvestrov Epitaph
Chopin Second piano concerto
War Child came forth from music in 1993. Willemijn Verloop, a social entrepreneur from the Netherlands, was working as a peace activist for the European Action Council for Peace in the Balkan. In destroyed Bosnia, she came into contact with musicologist Nigel Osborne in a bomb shelter, where he arranged music workshops for children during the war.
The joy ad relief that music gave resulted expanding the idea of helping children in war situations with music. After two years, Willemijn decided to start War Child in order to do so.
Now, after almost thirty years, War Child is operating in fifteen countries wordwide. Last year War Child was able to increase the well-being of 293.681 children and adults that live withe consequences of armed conflict. Read more on War Child's website.
it gives us perspective, and that is something very powerful
