A group of young musicians from Ukraine has arrived in Ljubljana. The Slovenian Youth Orchestra responded to a call for help from the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and organised the evacuation of 67 young musicians.

After days of gruelling travel, the first musicians of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, aged 12 to 22, arrived in Ljubljana yesterday morning. Originally 95 were due to come, but the logistical and administrative difficulties at the border from the town of Chop in western Ukraine were too great. They were mostly girls, there were a few mothers and considerably fewer boys. Gratitude, fatigue and unease could be seen on their faces. They are currently staying in two youth hostels, but this is only a temporary solution. Alternative homes are being sought for them; the most suitable would be those where they could spend time with their peers. Anyone interested can offer accommodation on the website www.smo.ngo. Donations from companies and individuals will also be collected there to further fund food, basic necessities, accommodation, assistance for underage musicians, translation and musical activities. »We will work very firmly and resolutely so that we can offer these young people, not only those who are already here but also others who are still to come, a perspective, not just an evacuation,« said Živa Ploj Peršuh, conductor of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra.

They would like to evacuate a further 300 young people who are currently on the waiting list and are fleeing the chaos of war at home, where no trace of the music academies remains. »A great many people have asked me how they can help, including world-famous musicians, organisations and orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Bavarian State Opera, various academies and youth organisations. It is a fantastic feeling when we live solidarity and do not merely proclaim it in the EU. We have a real situation in which we truly need your help, and for which we are very grateful,« said Oksana Liniv, the world-renowned conductor of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and artistic director of the Teatro Bologna. The two orchestras will join forces to work for the well-being of young talent. As part of the Music for future project, a national initiative of both countries, they will organise concerts, festivals, masterclasses, social gatherings and the search for scholarship opportunities at various music academies around the world. »We have no hope that this carnage will end in three days, so we must take care of these people, whom we can help with our knowledge to stay upright. So that they have hope and a sparkle in their eyes, rather than simply being labelled refugees,« adds Živa Ploj Peršuh.

To wash, cry and sleep

On her journey to Slovenia, which began not far from Kyiv, 29-year-old painter Oksana Rura did not sleep for three days. »I spent last night sitting in the corridor between the carriages of the train, where there was so little room. There were eight other people there, children and a cello. We were in complete darkness and it was so cold. I felt as if I were in a film. But it wasn't a film, it was my life.«

Her brother plays the trombone in the orchestra, but he could not flee himself because he is 23, so it was Oksana who made use of the contacts and the opportunity to escape. »Today I walked around Ljubljana, which I like very much, but all I can think about is that I would like to go home.« She said the journey had been hard, with a lot of waiting at stations and many people, all of them panicking. »My plan was to come here, wash, cry and sleep.«

No one could imagine that anything like this was possible, she says, but at the same time she stresses that the key thing is how the war has brought the Ukrainian people closer together. »Those of us who have left home are fighting in our own way too, helping our country as much as we can. I am trying to help friends get out of dangerous places, I take part in volunteer activities online and I give it my all. I am proud to be Ukrainian.«

Media: Dnevnik.si
Authors: Tadeja Lukanc
Date: Tue, 8 March 2022
Link: Young Ukrainian musicians have arrived | Dnevnik