The Ukrainian National Presidential Orchestra is coming to Finland for the first time for the ‘Louder Than Sirens’ charity concert tour. Following the concert in Helsinki on 21 November, the orchestra will perform in Lahti on 22 November and in Turku on 24 November.
World-renowned Finnish soprano Karita Mattila will join the concert as a very special guest. The concert will also feature acclaimed Ukrainian and Finnish opera singers Sergii Magera (bass), Serhii Hurets (tenor), Olena Arbuzova (coloratura soprano), Jyrki Anttila (tenor) and Nadiia Liesnikova (child vocalist, winner of the Ukrainian Dity.Help Music singing competition).
The concert will feature both masterpieces of classical music and timeless hits in fresh, powerful rock arrangements. Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, and Suzanne Innes-Stubb, spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland, will serve as patrons of the event.
The proceeds from the concert tour will be used to help Ukrainian children. The aim of the tour is to raise EUR 150,000 to build a secure shelter at a school in Ukraine. A well-equipped shelter will enable the children living in the midst of war to continue attending school despite security threats, such as air-raid alerts.
In addition to celebrating the power of music, the concert offers Helsinki residents a tangible opportunity to support Ukraine and its people. Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has also done considerable damage to the country’s art and culture scene. Cultural activities have suffered, and there are fewer opportunities for musicians to practice their profession. Music plays an important role during wartime in preserving Ukraine’s identity and instilling hope.
Helsinki stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people
The concert is one example of Helsinki’s ongoing solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The City of Helsinki has provided a total of EUR 327,000 in support to Ukraine and its twin city, Dnipro, since the outbreak of full-scale war. The majority of this sum has been used to organise summer camps for Ukrainian children and young people in Finland, fund various cultural events and provide donations of vehicles, equipment and supplies.