Ukrainian orchestra performing under 'extraordinary conditions' in war torn Kyiv to tour Scotland

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, which usually performs to a small audience to ensure there is enough space for everyone to flee to bomb shelters in case of a Russian attack during the concert, is to play in Glasgow and Perth as part of a UK-wide tour.

The orchestra said it wanted to tour to use music as a form of “resistance, remembrance and international dialogue”.

Some members of the orchestra are currently in active military service and other have lost friends, colleagues and family members, while energy and water shortages are common in Kyiv in recent months.

Volodymyr Sirenko, artistic director and chief conductor, said: “It is a great responsibility for us to perform for audiences in Perth, Glasgow and across Great Britain and Ireland. We cherish great hope that with this repertoire we will please UK audiences again.”

Deputy managing director and trumpeter, Roman Oleksiienko, said: “Every ticket purchased for our concerts in the UK is a great contribution to supporting Ukrainian culture and art during this bloody and senseless war.

“The most important thing we do is tell the world about Ukraine through music and maintain the Ukrainian cultural front.”

Two distinct programmes will be presented in Scotland, with performances at Perth Concert Hall on 21 March and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 22 March.

For Glasgow, the visit marks the first time in more than 20 years that an international orchestra has performed at the venue.

The concerts in Perth and Glasgow combine Ukrainian heritage with major works in the orchestral repertoire – from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony in Perth to Berezovsky’s Ukrainian Symphony and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in Glasgow.