This autumn, the inaugural Ukrainian Culture Weeks will take place in Oxford, organised by Cherwell College in collaboration with Kyiv-based Dom Master Class and the Oxford University Ukrainian Society, and in partnership with St John’s Orchestra.
During the most challenging period for Ukraine since its independence, this three-day festival to be held from September 30 to October 2 offers an opportunity to celebrate and honour Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage.
As a centre of knowledge and free speech, Oxford serves as a fitting venue to pay tribute to Ukrainian culture, and support Ukrainian freedom and democracy.
Proceeds from event tickets will help support humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine.
This multidisciplinary festival will feature art, photography, fashion, and classical Ukrainian music by soloists and ensembles. Many performers will be travelling to Oxford from Ukraine and various locations across Europe, where they have been displaced by the war. Events will include a performance by the Kyiv Chamber Choir, a light display celebrating the renowned Ukrainian artist Maria Primachenko, and a fashion performance staged by the innovative Ukrainian designer Fedir Vozianov.
The pinnacle of this year’s Ukrainian Culture Weeks will be the Grand Concert on Friday September 30, in partnership with the Orchestra of St John’s, conducted by John Lubbock at one of the most celebrated venues in Oxford – the Sheldonian Theatre. The date coincides with the birthday of the Ukrainian Maestro Valentyn Sylvestrov (Ukraine’s best-known living composer) who will be in attendance and whose music will be performed during the evening.
The City of Oxford and its institutions, alongside all at The Leaders Council, feel a deep sense of unity with the people of Ukraine. Oxonians feel dutybound to support the unique culture and heritage of the country and this festival offers people from Oxford and those from further afield to join together in expressing solidarity with Ukraine.
Ticket prices vary from £10 to £40, while entry is entirely free for Ukrainian refugees.
Various events will be held in Oxford city centre to mark the festival from Friday September 30 to Sunday October 2, and the full programme for the event and ticket portal can be found here.
Any queries relating to event publicity should be directed to the Oxford University Ukrainian Society via oxuniukrainiansociety@gmail.com
Photo by Yura Khomitskyi on Unsplash
