Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

The Proms welcomes the newly formed Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra who come to London as part of a tour of Europe and the USA. The orchestra, led by the Canadian-born conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, is composed of Ukrainian players from a dozen orchestras in both their besieged country and elsewhere in Europe. They are joined by two leading Ukrainian soloists for a concert that showcases the artistry and resilience of Ukrainian musicians.

The concert programme reflects the current situation through 19th-century works: Russian occupation of Poland prevented Chopin from returning to his homeland and Beethoven’s Fidelio celebrates the triumph of love and freedom over injustice.

BBC presenter Samira Ahmed and Ukrainian composer Iryna Gould introduce the concert from the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Broadcast programme:
Fryderyk Chopin - Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor
Ludwig van Beethoven - ‘Abscheulicher! … Komm, Hoffnung, lass den letzten Stern’ from Fidelio

Anna Fedorova - piano
Liudmyla Monastyrska - soprano
Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra
Keri-Lynn Wilson - conductor

(Photo: Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, pianist Anna Fedorova and singer Liudmyla Monastyrska at BBC Proms 2022. Credit: Mark Allan/BBC)