On Sunday 5 November Norwich Theatre Royal hosted the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine for the orchestra’s final performance of their 2023 UK Tour.
It was a tour that represented a bold and brave act of cultural expression and defiance against many odds. Most of the 98 orchestra members have remained in Kyiv, and recent performances have included several summer concerts in the Lysenko Column Hall in Kyiv.
The rich programme featured specially selected pieces by Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshynsky, Sibelius’ Finlandia, Strauss’ Don Juan and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
The evening not only celebrated the rich musical culture of Ukraine but also our own culture of giving sanctuary here in the East of England as well. Norwich Theatre is very proud to also be a Theatre of Sanctuary.
The city of sanctuary was proudly represented on Sunday as cultural organisations across Norwich came together to co-host a supper for the orchestra and other Ukrainian guests in Norfolk in the spirit of friendship and solidarity. This timeless notion of breaking bread together was made possible through contributions from Creative Arts East, The Forum, The Garage, National Centre for Writing, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich Arts Centre, and Norwich Theatre, who all share a commitment to ensuring Norwich and Norfolk will always be places of welcome and free cultural exchange.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Norwich Theatre, said: “As a Theatre of Sanctuary, we are honoured to support this bold and brave act of cultural expression and defiance against many odds. Welcoming the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine to Norwich on Sunday not only celebrated the rich musical culture of Ukraine but also our own culture of giving sanctuary here in the East of England.”
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Norwich Theatre, said: “As a Theatre of Sanctuary, we are honoured to support this bold and brave act of cultural expression and defiance against many odds. Welcoming the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine to Norwich on Sunday not only celebrated the rich musical culture of Ukraine but also our own culture of giving sanctuary here in the East of England.”
After the performance, the theatre collected donations for The Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre. This local charity was set up to create a safe space in Norfolk where Ukrainians displaced by the war, and their host families could be supported in the best way possible.
Over the last 20 months, the Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre has changed lives – both in the UK and those still living in Ukraine. Speaking about the Centre, Ian Odgers said: “The main aim of the Centre was always to help build a community within a community, to make people – especially the children – understand that they are not alone. The love and the warmth felt within the Centre is living proof that we continue to achieve what we set out to do. A smile is a smile in any language, and I challenge anyone to visit the Centre and not have their face light up with a smile.”
Ray Ashman, Trustee of The Dereham Aid Centre said: “Over the last 20 months, Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre has changed lives. Those based in our region are now looking to rebuild their lives and move into their own accommodation. We, as a Centre, look to make the changeover from the hosting situations as smooth and as stress-free as possible. Whilst this isn’t easy – with the continuation of funds, we are able to help those that have already lost so much.”
Stephen added, “It is amazing to see the creativity on our stages inspire audiences. We saw it in action by the outpouring of support from our loyal audiences who donated to The Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre. I would like to personally thank everyone who has donated.”