We are Ukrainians. Three years of resilience concert

Photo by Anna Nekrasova @nekrasova.photos

A three hour concert organised by Julia Gershun, Cultural Ambassador of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Peace Committee was staged at the London Palladium on 24 February, marking three years of resilience by the Ukrainian people against the incursion of Russian forces in their homeland. The event also expressed gratitude for the UK's unwavering support during the war.

Ticket sales will support the new Superhumans Prosthetic Centre in Ukraine which opened in Liviv in 2023 and was completed last year. Twenty year old Ruslana Danilkina, who joined up to fight for her country lost a leg last year, She is now an ambassador for the centre where she was treated and rehabilitated and addressed the audience, which included other veteran soldiers.

The sensational internationally acclaimed Veryovka National Folklore Ensemble were the highlight of the evening. Guest speakers and performers emphasised the need for support for Ukraine. Veteran actors Dame Maureen Lipman and Polish countess Rula Lenska presented the event with aplomb. Introducing the concert, they said there was unity in music and memory and that in times of suffering, faith becomes an important connection.

The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in London, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski greeted the audience, remarking that the Ukrainians were not where they hoped to be after three years and thanking all who had stood by them. He committed his community to God's care and led an opening prayer and the audience stood in a moment of silent reflection.

Former leading UK politicians Sir Ben Wallace and Sir Ian Duncan Smith gave impassioned speeches about the courageous resilience and sacrifice of Ukrainians in the face of Russia's aggression. They likened the situation to Britain in WWII and emphasised British solidarity. Both had recently visited front line areas in Ukraine and urged support. Lord Banner, KC, whose wife's family live in Ukraine, added his voice urging re purposing of Russian funds for Ukraine by UK.

Sasha Paschal, eleven year old aspiring gymnast, received a standing ovation after her incredible display.

Following a Russian missile attack three years ago her home in Odessa was obliterated and she suffered multiple injuries. Her leg was crushed, and she suffered a brain injury. She was placed in an induced coma for 15 days and her leg amputated. Receiving a prosthetic limb she remarkably returned to gymnastics following rehabilitation and aims to become a Paralympian.

Another young child had kept a diary of the violent incursion into her homeland and excerpts were movingly read by her and translated by another child.

The Hryhorly Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir was founded in 1943 by the prominent Ukrainian composer and conductor to preserve and develop traditional singing. The choral group combines with an orchestra of folk instruments and a versatile dance ensemble.

Their colourful costumes enhanced their exuberant dancing and heartfelt singing. Crimean Tatar dances exhibited athletic skills whilst brandishing traditional swords and axes and charming folk dances were further enlivened by striking backdrops portraying Ukrainian scenes in times of war and peace. Included in the multi -media presentation were depictions of typical vibrant folk art and the construction of the new Superhuman prosthetic centre as well as portraying the beautiful countryside and war torn devastated cities .

Jamala, Ukrainian Eurovision winner in 20I6, sang stirring, soulful Ukrainian songs appearing about 10.30pm as the concert over ran and some of the audience had to depart. Since 2022 she has been promoting Tatar folk songs and traditions from her native Crimea from which she is now exiled from by Russian authorities.

'We are Ukrainians' was an intensely moving and inspirational evening exemplifying the dynamic resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Slava Ukraini!

LINKS

Superhumans: www.superhumans.com/en/
Veryovka National Folklore Ensemble: https://veryovka.com/en/