When Andreas Lönnqvist, conductor at the Gothenburg Opera, found out that Ukraine's musicians are fighting to save instruments, notes and archive material from the bombs, he called his friend Theodore Kucha, chief conductor of the Ukrainian Philharmonic Orchestra in Lviv, and asked what he could do to help. to.
Theodore Kucha replied that many of the musicians no longer have any instruments to play on, and therefore a fundraiser to buy instruments would be appropriate and necessary.
How will instruments help people in war?
- Culture is an essential part of all societies and not least after a war, music and culture will heal and build up, says Andreas Lönnkvist.
Hoping for a folk festival
On Saturday, the Gothenburg Opera will therefore open its doors to the public.
The day consists of a unique "joyful" music marathon with, among other things, film music from Star Wars, children's songs by Alice Tegnér and classical composers such as Mozart.
The foyer is open and you can come in and just have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, says Andreas Lönnqvist and continues:
- It should be more like a folk festival than a pretentious concert.
Hear more in the clip above.