National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Volodymyr Sirenko  conductor
Antonii Baryshevskyi  piano

Lyatoshynsky  Symphonic Poem: Grazhyna
Beethoven  Piano Concerto No. 4
Sibelius  Symphony No. 1

We’re thrilled to welcome the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine to the Royal Concert Hall as part of the orchestra’s biggest UK tour to date. One of the most distinguished European orchestras, it’s achieved world-wide recognition through its many international tours, which include Australia, the US, Europe and Asia. This visit is particularly important, following the tragic invasion of Ukraine by Russia and ongoing war and, with hostilities expected to continue for some time, it’s vital that we continue to support the rich, musical culture of Ukraine.

Music Director Volodymyr Sirenko is joined by pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi, a prize-winner at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master and F. Busoni International Piano Competitions. He’ll be performing Beethoven’s magnificent 4^th Piano Concerto, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the repertoire, and expressing a huge range of mood from deep introspection to joyful exuberance. Bookending the concerto are Boris Lyatosynsky’s Symphonic Picture, Grazhyna, an appealing example of this leading Ukrainian composer’s dramatic music, and Sibelius’s 1^st Symphony. Expansive and lyrical, it’s the most overtly Romantic of the Finnish composer’s work, and has long been a favourite with audiences everywhere.

Joining Sirenko: Aleksey Semenenko – Violinist, Mykola Leontovych – Violinist, Veronika Lemishenko – Harp, Natalia Subbotina – Cello, Ulianov Yevhen Dmytrovych – Drums

Donations
In addition to providing a UK-wide platform for the orchestra to perform, this UK tour is also fundraising to support the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the continuation of Ukraine’s rich musical culture during this conflict.

A Just Giving appeal has been set up by the tour promoters, IMG Artists, supported by all 17 concert venues on the tour.  All donations however small or large will be gratefully received. The appeal will remain open until 30 November 2023, when all proceeds will be donated directly to the orchestra to support their work.