National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

We are delighted to welcome back the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine for their second visit to the Theatre Royal.

As a nod to the friendship between the UK and Ukraine, the orchestra have chosen to perform music by one of our most loved composers, Delius.  In the Middle Ages, people believed that the cuckoo brought the arrival of spring and on hearing its first call, spring would be imminent. These two delightful works by Delius provide the perfect opening to the second half of the concert.  In addition, we will be treated to two of Beethoven’s greatest works: his fifth and most demanding piano concerto, known as the ‘Emperor’, performed by the renowned Ukrainian pianist Maria Pukhlianko; and Beethoven’s Symphony No.7.

Notably the concert opens with what is considered to be the First Ukrainian Symphony ever written, an historic symphony for many reasons. This symphony was performed outside the Ukrainian parliament building and was later shared on YouTube following the outbreak of the war in February 2022, to raise awareness of Ukrainian culture.

Conductor: Volodymyr Sirenko Soloist: Maria Pukhlianko (piano)

Programme: Maksym Berezovsky The First Ukrainian Symphony in C Major Beethoven Piano Concerto no.  5  Emperor (Maria Pukhlianko) —Interval— Delius On Hearing the First Cuckoo of Spring & Summer Night on the River Beethoven Symphony no. 7

IMG Artists is raising £5k to support the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, their members & families during the continuing conflict in Ukraine, in their time of need. All donations however small or large will be gratefully received. If you’d like to support, you can find out more & donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nsouukirelandtour2026  The appeal will remain open until 1 May 2026 when all proceeds will be donated directly to the orchestra to support their work.