Opera Europa members have rallied in support of Ukrainian people and theatres since the beginning of the conflict. They have come together in creative ways and have collectively raised upwards of two million euros so far.
Fundraising concerts, patron and ticket sales donations have been plentiful for those organisations who are allowed to raise money.
On another level, houses across Europe have been welcoming staff and artists from the various institutions, providing a safe space and opportunity to continue working while their theatres are closed.
Others have shown their support by adopting Ukrainian colours in their programme, using their public buildings and posting massively to social media platforms using the hashtag #StandwithUkraine to raise awareness and show solidarity.
And resourcefully, Ukrainian artists have been invited to take the stage in other theatres.
Here are a few highlights of European initiatives:
■ Lithuanian National Opera & Ballet Theatre welcomed 220 artists and 30 children from Kharkiv National Opera and Ballet Theatre, for a series of ballet, opera and music concert performances from 3 to 9 May.
■ Poznań Opera is setting up artist residencies for artists and theatre professionals under the name Support programme for theatre people from Ukraine. Theater St Gallen is fundraising to support Poznan’s initiative through Pegaz Cultural Organisation with a concert conducted by Margaryta Grynyvetska of Kyiv National Operetta Theatre on 1 June, featuring works of Ukrainian composers Myroslaw Skoryk and Walentyn Sylwesrow, alongside Bach and Beethoven. Volksoper Wien also host Kyiv National Operetta Theatre on 12 June.
■ Lviv National Opera has launched a series of online charity concerts
of famous Ukrainian composers and world classics ‘Together with Ukraine’ on
www.kontramarka.ua
■ Opera for Peace, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and Opera Europa joined forces in creating a Grant for a Ukrainian artist to participate in the OFP Academy Europe in collaboration with the European Investment Bank from 30 May to 5 June 2022 in Rome.
■ Hobart Earle conducted the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra and Ksenia Bakhritdinova in Weinberg’s Symphony 21 in a live performance in the Philharmonic Hall of Odesa, in memoriam of the victims of the war.
■ Opera Bałtycka w Gdańsku has invited Ukrainian artists to join their ensembles, recognising their skills as a fantastic addition to their team. They are also curating their programme to make it accessible to Ukrainian audiences.
And many more have put in energy and generosity towards this common effort.
Thank you!
