The Ukrainian National Orchestra

Ukraine’s composers are relatively unknown quantities over here, and that needs to change. This concert begins with Yevhen Stankovych’s «Ancient Mountain Dances of Verhovyna». This versatile, multi-award-winning composer with a significant catalogue of his own symphonies, operas and ballets to his name is conductor of the country’s national music academy. Ater that comes a performance of Jean Sibelius’ wonderful «Symphony No.3 in C major», powerfully conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko.

Young cellist Raphaela Gromes is one of the most special musicians of recent generations, and we are privileged to have her here as a soloist. In 2022, she accompanied the Ukrainian National Orchestra as a soloist into the conflict zone. Here, she will add an extra layer of polish to arguably the best-loved cello concerto in the world, Antonín Dvořák’s masterpiece.

 Music often has a societal background. The Ukrainian National Orchestra is one of the most renowned formations in Eastern Europe, and for them to pay us a visit in Zug during their European tour will mean an evening of pure musical indulgence, whilst at the same time demonstrating our solidarity with a country that is as amazing as it is currently oppressed.