As part of the Voice for Ukraine UK we travelled to Ukraine to capture on film the reason for this project. The places we visited were destroyed by the Russian invasion. However, the children were still determined to learn and travel from different towns to meet up with their teachers and friends for their music class.
This unique and first hand video highlights the importance of music in children's lives during war.
It was a long and exhausting trip with many unexpected and unpleasant surprises, but we managed to overcome all the challenges!
Different trip, different challenges, but we still did it!
We are proud to announce that, thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, we have so far provided assistance to more than 10 schools across Ukraine, including those in the Donetsk region.
In 2022, the Music school in Borodyanka, a town just outside of Kyiv, was burned down to the ground as a result of a direct battle between Russian aggressors and Ukrainian defenders.
Teachers and students showed unbelievable courage, dedication and resilience in order to keep children’s passion for music alive.
The Makariv School of Arts suffered greatly as a result of the Russian invasion. Windows and doors were damaged, the roof collapsed due fire. Their concert hall was flooded with the heavy rain, damaging the grand-piano and many other precious instruments.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of the teachers and students led to efforts to continue music education in whatever capacity possible, showcasing the power that music can uplift spirits even in the darkest times.
SOS Children’s Villages is a non-governmental charitable organisation that has been helping orphans and families in difficult life circumstances in Ukraine for over 19 years. Since 2002, helping displaced Ukrainian families, including Donbas region was their priority.
Svyatohirsk is a town located in Donetsk region in Eastern Ukraine. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, particularly the Svytohirsk Lavra, a monastery complex situated on the banks of the Seversky Donetsk River. The town has been severely damaged in the fight against the Russian invaders, only a small number of civilians currently live in the town. However, despite all the struggle and horrors of war, dedicated locals, like Valeriiya Kostiushko, makes everything possible for the children of Donetsk region to have moments of childhood that they deserve.
It was a beautiful concert, premiering the very first and only London Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra (LUSO).
“Never Forget” is dedicated to those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine and its freedom. The whole world must know the faces of TRUE heroes. Performed by the London Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra.
V4UUK Children's Choir performing "We Need Piece".
V4UUK Pilot concert: April 2022