The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra's Ode to "Slava" in New York City
As the war enters its third year, Ukrainians are still taking up symbolic arms against authoritarianism around the world. The conductor asks: "What is the role of the arts in times of suffering?"
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After more than two years of requesting stronger assistance from the U.S. and European allies, reports emerged this week that American-made F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine. The war planes would surely be eagerly accepted by the Ukrainian military, which has faced periods of exhaustion and depleted ammunition in the war against Russia.
The war, by many accounts, has taken longer than expected. After the February 2022 invasion, some analysts said that Russia could take Kyiv in just three days. Now, as the war enters its third year, Ukrainian troops are being replenished along the borders through a draft, where they continue to face Russian soldiers with rosters 10 times the size of theirs. Civilians, too, have had their lives turned upside-down: families separated and uprooted, homes destroyed, loved ones killed.
In the early days of 2022, the world was gripped by the resolve and perseverance of Ukrainian people. Those in relatively stable areas opened their homes to fellow countrymen sent into exile. Academics continued to teach outside in parks after their universities were compromised. Lawyers and humanitarian workers shifted their entire work to bring back tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who were kidnapped into Russia.
And a group of of musicians went on tour to spread a message of peace, freedom, and democracy through music.
On Thursday evening, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra will perform in Harlem at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.