Support concert raised over 40,000 euro for the benefit of Ukrainian music education
Proceeds from the concert, initiated by conductor Dalia Stasevska, will go directly to benefit Ukrainian music education.
The “Let there be light” concert, organised by the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki, took place at Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre) on 6 April 2024, featuring the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra and 34 Ukrainian music students who have been displaced from their homes due to the Russian invasion.
The proceeds of the concert – almost 41,000 euro – were raised from ticket sales and donations.
The concert drew a record audience for the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra, selling out the 1,700-seat concert hall. Nearly 1,800 viewers also followed the live broadcast of the concert online.
President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb also honoured the occasion with their presence, emphasising the significance of the concert both in Finland and internationally. Following the concert, the presidential couple met with conductor Dalia Stasevska and members of the orchestra.
“Music cannot end war, but it has a significant role to play. It gives hope and a vision for the future for the youth. As long as there is culture in Ukraine, the Ukrainian people exists. My hope is that this concert is the beginning for a long partnership and friendship. My dream is that after the war, these orchestras play together again in Kyiv, with a Finnish-Ukrainian repertoire,” stated Stasevska.
“Music is our way of showing solidarity with Ukrainians. Even though we didn’t have much time to talk during rehearsals, the connection was really strong. Friendships are formed among all orchestra members, which can be stronger than those formed in other ways,” said Ingrid Odé, violist at the Sibelius Academy.
“I am truly delighted that we were able to raise a significant amount for supporting Ukrainian music education and that we were able to facilitate a strong musical and emotional connection between both the students and the audience. The communal support shown by the audience was palpable throughout the entire concert, and with it, we can now influence the future of young artists,” summed up Emilie Gardberg, Dean of the Sibelius Academy.
The European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) organises the support delivery as part of the AEC Supports Ukraine campaign.
The concert was supported by Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre), the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Konstsamfundet, the Sibelius Academy Support Foundation and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
For more information
-
Karoliina Pirkkanen
- Coordinator, Communication services Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki
- +358407104319
- karoliina.pirkkanen@uniarts.fi
