‘Many magical moments’: the Stift Festival Ukraine Benefit Concert

Artistic director Daniel Rowland told The Strad, ’I‘m so grateful to all the wonderful artists who took part, many with deeply personal connection to Ukraine, from international soloists to brilliant young talents. There were so many magical moments, and I would like to spread this as much as I can - as a reaction to the truly awful horrors we see every day.’

The programme includes many high-profile string players, including Rowland, cellist Maja Bogdanovic, violinist Natalia Gabunia and violists Dana and Mikhail Zemtsov. Works performed include the Ukrainian National Anthem and traditional folk songs, as well as pieces by Chopin, Rachmaninov and Richard Strauss.

The orchestra, led by Benjamin Roskams, was conducted by Maxim Shalygin, with performers including students of the Lysenko Muziekschool & Kyiv Conservatory, ADAM Quartet, members of PHION, Orchestra of Gelderland & Overijssel Britten Jeugd Strijkorkest. Consensus Vocalis were conducted by Beni Csillag.

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