Every day the news services are filled with stories of the war in Ukraine, and the millions of refugees who are leaving everything behind to escape the invasion. Taking little beyond the clothes on their backs for some, their most valued possession is an instrument; a violin, viola, cello, and their voices.
Rather than tell the stories here, here are some links to national news stories that have caught our attention, and demonstrated how music has the power to send a message: a message of pain, of hope, of comfort or a call for action. Here are a few of the stories:
Ukrainian violinist Vera Lytovchenko plays in an apartment basement turned shelter in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
20-year old violinist Myroslava Sherbina awaits the arrival of members of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine as part of joint evacuation mission with the Slovenian orchestra. "I just want to feel safe," she says.
Ukrainian refugee children singing in Polish theater as part of Rock for Ukraine; using their voices to share a message and a sense of community.
Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine Finds Refuge in Slovenia
Musician back in Seattle after escaping Ukrainian warzone.
Ukrainian born drummer and composer Tetyana Haraschuk, now living in Winnipeg, helps eight family members escape Ukraine into Poland, but now the real challenges begin.