Members of the Ukrainian orchestra are “very excited” and “grateful” to share music and peace in Carmel

Carmel, Indiana – The Ukrainian national orchestra performed before a packed house Saturday night in the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, exactly one year after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Jeffrey McDermott, president and chief executive officer of the Center for the Performing Arts, said of the members of the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, “I think they are very excited to be here and I think they are grateful to be here, and to bring this sort of message of music and peace really all over the United States.”

McDermott says that it generally takes 18 to 24 months for the center to book shows, the orchestra’s performance exactly a year since the war began was a coincidence.

Lviv was the largest city in western Ukraine prior to the conflict. The orchestra had a hectic tour schedule even while the war went on, including a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Anya Aslanova, a volunteer with Indiana Supports Ukraine, said “It’s an amazing coincidence, I don’t know if I would have come, or if I would have heard the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra is coming.”

Aslanova’s organization was founded when the conflict broke out a year ago and has given Ukraine donations of 2-1/2 tons of clothing, blankets, and medical equipment.

“To see the outpour from Americans, from fellow Ukrainians, from everyone, from Hoosiers, that’s been amazing,” Aslanova said.

To help soldiers and civilians, according to Aslanova, donations are still required.