Music: German and Ukrainian Musicians Send Message in Lviv

Musicians from Dresden and Berlin are joining forces with their Ukrainian counterparts in Lviv for a benefit concert, aiming to send a message of hope and solidarity. The performance is scheduled for Saturday in the city, which has been affected by the Russian war of aggression.

The program includes Robert Schumann's 2nd Symphony, Thomas de Hartmann's Violin Concerto, and a work by a Ukrainian composer. Theodor Kucharenko will conduct, with violinist Andrej Tschaikowsky as the soloist. The initiative was spearheaded by Andreas Dude, a double bassist with the Elbland Philharmonie, who rallied colleagues for the private project, taking nearly a week of vacation for the trip.

"It is important to us to show solidarity in these difficult times and to set a sign of hope," Dude told the German Press Agency. He acknowledged that while they have seen images and reports of the situation, they anticipate emotionally moving experiences. Dude highlighted the challenges faced by Ukrainian orchestras, many of whose musicians are serving on the front lines, impacting their ability to maintain regular performances.

The concert also includes plans for workshops with refugee children from eastern Ukraine currently residing in the western part of the country. The German Embassy is providing financial support for the musicians' train travel. Organizers are still seeking donations for accommodation and are transporting instrument accessories to Lviv, with one oboist even driving his personal car to assist.

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It is important to us to show solidarity in these difficult times and to set a sign of hope.