(Headline image: a photo of a Ukrainian bandura. Trembita brand.)
Ukrainian music is more than mere art, it is the living voice of a nation, echoing through pain and hope, piercing the darkness of war and leading towards light. Within each melody and lyric resides the memory of home, the dream of victory, and the unwavering belief in life itself. Across the United Kingdom, despite forced displacement, Ukrainian communities are actively keeping their culture alive through concerts, art events, and community gatherings. These occasions are not just performances; they are acts of cultural resistance, powerful expressions of national dignity and enduring love for the homeland.
A striking example of this took place on 22 June in the picturesque town of Romsey, Hampshire, during the inclusive festival “One Romsey”, organized by the town council. This vibrant celebration of community brought together people from diverse backgrounds in a moving display of unity through cultural diversity. Ukrainian music shone warmly through the performance of Viktoriia Milevska with the Ukrainian choir “Svitlo”, and in a heartfelt duet with Oleksandr Milevskyi. Their program was a masterful blend of authenticity and modernity, technical brilliance and emotional sincerity. Viktoriia, known from the symphonic rock ensemble “Symfomania”, built musical bridges across languages and cultures, touching hearts and inspiring compassion, understanding, and hope.
Earlier, on 7 June, the historic St George’s Church in Bloomsbury hosted a charity concert by Ukrainian pianist and composer Yaroslav Oliinyk. His poignant original compositions and reimagined classics moved the audience deeply. Joining him was gifted saxophonist and flutist Alex Smirnov, whose performance added warmth and emotional depth to the evening. The concert raised vital funds for the support of Ukrainian children, blending music with a message of gratitude and solidarity.
In May, the voices of Ukraine echoed in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, where soprano Alla Kravchuk and pianist Oksana Hermanchuk presented a captivating evening of Ukrainian romances, ballads, and folk songs. Alla’s expressive voice, paired with Oksana’s delicate and nuanced accompaniment, created a truly moving experience. Donations collected at the concert went directly to support Ukraine.
Back in February, St. Mary’s Church in Northchurch, Hertfordshire, became the setting for a “Concert of Hope and Resistance”, organized by the charity EducArtEvent. This unique evening fused live music with visual art. Pieces by Ukrainian composers resonated with sincerity and longing, while the children’s art exhibition “Art of Resilience” added another layer of emotional depth, offering insight into the war through young eyes. All proceeds went towards helping Ukrainian children – those who most need care, hope, and healing.
Behind these and many similar initiatives are a network of Ukrainian organizations active in the UK: The Ukrainian Institute London, EducArtEvent, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, the Ukrainian Youth Association, the Ukrainian Women’s Organisation, the Ukrainian Cultural Association in the UK, Help Ukraine Group, British-Ukrainian Aid, and others. They unite artists, volunteers, and families to organize cultural events, invite Ukrainian musicians, offer workshops, host festivals, and create meaningful experiences for both children and adults. Their work not only preserves Ukrainian culture but also strengthens communities and brings humanity to the forefront in times of trial.
Ukrainian music in the UK is not a memory of the past – it is a living, breathing force. It heals, unites, and uplifts. It rings out from concert halls, churches, parks, and town squares, proclaiming with each note: we are here, we are unbroken, we remember. As long as Ukrainian music plays, hope endures – and so does Ukraine.
Author: Vladyslav Demianov
