National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine – Norwich Theatre Royal

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is making a historic return to the UK next month to continue its mission of “cultural diplomacy and resistance”.

The orchestra, recognised as one of the finest in Eastern Europe, last visited the UK in October 2023 – around 18 months after the Russian invasion – with a sell-out, 17-venue tour. Highlights included a personal invitation to perform in the House of Commons from the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a special reception in Bath and being awarded the Freedom of the City in Norwich.

Despite increasing hardships, two and a half years on, the orchestra continues to perform at home and abroad, with international tours including to the USA, Europe and Taiwan.

Now, it is returning to the UK for an eight-night tour from 15 – 23 March 2026, taking in Norwich Theatre, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, London’s Cadogan Hall, GLive Guildford, The Anvil in Basingstoke, Perth Concert Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Dublin National Concert Hall.

After four years of war, the orchestra has been radically changed. At home, audiences are smaller so that everyone can fit into the underground bunker beneath Kyiv’s concert hall if the alarm sounds; the orchestra faces acute shortages of essentials, including energy and water; some musicians are in active military service; most members have friends or family now living abroad; and all have tragically lost people to the conflict.

In December, principal clarinettist Yurii Nabytovych’s apartment was hit and damaged by a Shahed drone. 20 neighbouring apartments in the building are now uninhabitable. However, the orchestra’s determination still shines through.

In spite of its circumstances, the orchestra’s programme is light and full of upbeat energy. Conducted by the charismatic Volodymyr Sirenko and supported for the first time by one of Ukraine’s most garlanded pianists, soloist Maria Pukhlianko, the programme will introduce UK audiences to Maksym Berezovsky, a pioneering 18 th century figure and the first Ukrainian to compose a symphony. The orchestra will also perform Frederick Delius’ two famous miniature tone-poems, On Hearing the First Cuckoo of Spring and Summer Night on the River, as well Mozart’s elegant Piano Concerto no. 23 and Mendelssohn’s best-loved Symphony no. 4 Italian.

As in 2023, UK tour organisers, IMG Artists, have launched an online fundraiser and are
aiming to raise £5,000 to support the musicians and their families. Venues will also collect
donations at the performances.

Norwich Theatre

March 15, 2026

7.30pm