The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra has unveiled its Resilience Tour, slated for August 2025, showcasing its commitment to cultural expression amid challenging times.

The orchestra will bring its performances to Warsaw, Wroclaw, Lucerne, Vilnius, Jürmala, Bucharest, Amsterdam, and London, connecting with audiences across Europe.

One program will highlight the Prelude and “Liebestod” from Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde,” performed by soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen, paired with Kolomiiets’ “Suite from ‘The Mothers of Kherson’” and Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5. In other concerts, Willis-Sørensen will interpret Strauss’ “Four Last Songs.” Certain performances will feature the “Tannhäuser” overture in place of the Kolomiiets work, while Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 will substitute for Beethoven’s symphony. Violinist Alexandra Conunova will also take the stage in select programs, performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor. Additionally, two performances will include “Bucha Lacrimosa” by Ukrainian composer Victoria Vita Polevá, a poignant tribute to recent history.

“This will be our fourth tour since Russia’s devastating invasion began, affirming Ukraine’s unyielding spirit and right to freedom,” said conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, who will lead the ensemble. “Beethoven’s Fifth, with its legendary opening notes that echoed Allied resistance to Nazism during World War II, will serve as a powerful emblem of our defiance today.”

The tour not only showcases musical excellence but also serves as a platform to amplify Ukraine’s cultural voice on the global stage. By presenting works from both Ukrainian and international composers, the orchestra underscores the universal language of music as a means of resilience and solidarity. Each performance is designed to resonate deeply with audiences, blending timeless masterpieces with contemporary compositions that reflect Ukraine’s current struggles and enduring hope.

The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, formed in response to the ongoing conflict, continues to draw musicians from across Ukraine and beyond, uniting them in a shared mission to inspire and uplift through art. The 2025 Resilience Tour promises to be a profound testament to the power of music in the face of adversity, inviting audiences to join in a collective stand for freedom and humanity.