French cellist heads for Ukraine

The Canada-born soloist Jean Guihen Queyras is heading for Ukraine to bring relief to the suffering. He writes:

Dear friends,

In two weeks, I will be travelling to Kyiv to give a concert with Camerata Kyiv and share my music with the Ukrainian people. I will also be visiting wounded soldiers in a rehabilitation centre and a clinic for children suffering from war trauma.

Despite logistical complications, I felt an urgent need to express my solidarity in my own way with a nation that shows us incredible resilience in the face of adversity every day.

We have all been moved by the courage and determination of the Ukrainians in the face of aggression. By playing in Kyiv, I wish to support and connect with the local Ukrainian music scene, celebrating the rich cultural heritage that Ukrainians continue to keep alive despite the daily threats. I firmly believe that in times of conflict, artistic expression has its place, offering comfort and strength in its own way.

It will be a great honour for me to stand alongside the Ukrainian people, even if only for a few days, as they fight for peace and freedom. May this concert convey a message of hope and solidarity, strengthening the bonds that unite us all.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing this unique experience with you, which holds a special place in my heart.

If you would like to support this initiative with a donation, here are links to two active NGOs on the ground:

Rehabilitation Center for Wounded Soldiers: https://unbroken.org.ua/donate

Support for Children Suffering from War Trauma: https://voices.org.ua/en/donat/