Symphony concert held at Lavra with Dumenko’s blessing

Symphony concert on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: National Philharmonic of Ukraine

The National Philharmonic Orchestra performed in front of the Dormition Cathedral. The head of the OCU gave his blessing for the secular musical event to be held on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the National Reserve reported on Facebook.

The musicians dedicated the concert to three anniversaries at once – the 975th anniversary of the monastery’s founding, the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the centenary of the National Reserve. The Academic Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine performed under the direction of Alla Kulbaba. For one of the pieces, the Lavra bell tower was used as an instrument within the symphony orchestra.

The organizers said the event brought together Ukraine’s spiritual heritage and contemporary academic art, presenting the shrine’s thousand-year history as a center of Ukrainian identity, culture and resilience. In their words, “the concert became a powerful manifesto of the unity of Ukraine’s spiritual and musical traditions.”

This was the fourth time a symphony orchestra event had been held on the monastery grounds. The organizers welcomed the fact that it was once again drawing classical music enthusiasts to the square in front of the Dormition Cathedral.

As the UOJ reported, Zelenska opened the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen at the Lavra.

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