Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra to perform at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Image courtesy of Karpati & Zarewicz

New Yorkers can celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is performing at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on Thursday, August 1, at 7 p.m., as part of the Beethoven Ninth Freedom Tour. This concert is the penultimate date of their tour, which has included stops at grand cathedrals and concert halls throughout Europe and the United States.

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Photo by Kripa Chettiar on Flickr

Established in 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to defend the country’s cultural legacy, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is made up of Ukrainian refugees who have fled their home country due to the conflict, as well as Ukrainian members of other orchestras.

Led by Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, the concert seeks to inspire a message of humanity, resistance, and progress in the face of oppression, all while uniting people from around the globe through music and community.

Presented in association with Lincoln Center, the concert will open with “Freedom,” written by renowned Ukrainian composer Victoria Vita Polevá, which honors the innocent lives lost during an attack by Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022.

The orchestra will also perform its signature rendition of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, celebrating its 200th anniversary, with a vocal performance of Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” sung in Ukrainian to symbolize freedom and resistance amidst the ongoing conflict.

Remaining tickets are priced at $75; purchase them here.

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