Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Honorary OBE for Ukrainian conductor
Mark AllanAn orchestra conductor from Ukraine has been made an Honorary OBE.
Kirill Karabits, 47, is stepping down after 15 years as chief conductor of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).
He has been honoured for services to music and for the promotion of works from Ukraine and Eastern Europe in the UK.
The conductor previously said he was working to promote Ukrainian culture to support the nation following the Russian invasion.
Shortly after the war broke out in 2022, he told the BBC: "It's difficult to be away. My mother and sister are still in Kyiv.
"I just try to continue my activities as a conductor despite this very difficult period...because I think I can do a lot more for the image of Ukraine... which needs support today by playing more Ukrainian music."
Corin MesserThe BSO said Karabits had "made it his mission to source the orchestral gems that fell between the cracks" from Ukraine and other countries.
The son of composer, Ivan Karabits is the orchestra's second-longest-serving chief conductor.
He said: "I am deeply grateful to receive this Honorary OBE for the journey I have been privileged to share with the BSO's musicians and audiences."
The orchestra's chief executive Dougie Scarfe said Karabits was a "musical detective unlike any other".
Karabits becomes Conductor Laureate & Artistic Director of the BSO's Voices from the East strand later this year.
