Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra plays Beethoven's "Eroica"
Come and witness history being made by the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, arguably one of the most thought-provoking music collaborations of today! Last year, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra made a deep impression on Amsterdam audiences, and this summer, the heroic orchestra returns with Beethoven's groundbreaking Symphony no. 3, "Eroica".
European tour of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra
Following its acclaimed 2022 inaugural tour of Europe and the United States, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conducted by its Canadian-Ukrainian music director, Keri-Lynn Wilson, will regroup this August for a tour of major European festivals and cities in a continuing demonstration of Ukrainian artistry as the nation fights for its freedom.
The 74-piece orchestra unites Ukrainian musicians from across the country, (some of the male members having received special permission from the Ukrainian government to serve their nation through their music), as well as Ukrainian refugee musicians and Ukrainian members of European orchestras.
Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra at The Concertgebouw
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra's concert in The Concertgebouw last summer was well received, regarded almost unanimously as moving and amazing, and Dutch publications were enthusiastic. "Conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson deserves all the credits for this unforgettable concert evening', wrote the Dutch newspaper, Trouw.
This summer the orchestra will play Beethoven's Third Symphony, "Eroica", again with Keri-Lynn Wilson. The Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov pays tribute to his homeland with the Violin Concerto no. 2 by the Ukrainian composer Yevhen Stankovych.
The Spectator in London says that "Keri-Lynn Wilson conducts unfussily but brilliantly, her interpretation thrillingly urgent." Meanwhile, according to The Washington Post: “Wilson sharpened every edge and kept pace with every madcap turn, every catastrophic collision. The off-kilter tilt of the stage found a match in the conductor’s angular management of the orchestra. It was a three-hour thrill ride.”
About Beethoven's "Eroica"
Beethoven wrote his Symphony no. 3 between 1802 and 1804. He actually wanted to dedicate the work to his hero Napoleon Bonaparte, hence the heroic character. He came back to that when Napoleon had crowned himself emperor in his delusions of grandeur in May 1804. Beethoven savagely crossed out Napoleon's name in his manuscript. The new nickname "Eroica" fits well with the heroic and revolutionary music full of unprecedented accents, rhythms and harmonies.
SummerConcerts, a series of 80 concerts at the Concertgebouw
This concert is part of the SummerConcerts at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Throughout July and August you can enjoy beautiful classical concerts, swinging jazz and pop, and legendary film music at one of Amsterdam's most iconic music venues. Are you in the spirit of summer? Well, with these lively and fascinating concerts on the horizon, you will be!
All tickets come with a free drink. As well as that, for 11,50 euros you can sip on a delicious limoncello and lime cocktail during the interval. Certain concerts in the series even have a Meet & Greet with the artists after the concert, and some of the evenings end with a DJ set. The SummerConcerts are powered by VriendenLoterij.
Buy your tickets
Buy your tickets in advance on The Concertgebouw website and get to experience one of the most heroic orchestral projects of our time playing in the acoustical wonder that is The Concertgebouw. Plus, drinks are included in the ticket price - book your tickets today!