A Russian rocket that landed in Ukraine two years ago, causing destruction and pain, has been made into a musical instrument that will help raise funds for the war-torn country.
The rocket has been hollowed out and had its explosive components replaced by a bow from a cello.
Now renowned Ukrainian composer Roman Hryhoriv and the world-famous Kyiv Camerata orchestra will perform ‘music of war’ on the casing of the Uragan MLRS bomb at a concert for Ukraine at Blenheim Palace tomorrow (October 19).
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Hosted by the Oxbridge Foundation, the gala dinner will raise funds to help the country’s young students get access to education in the UK and US.
It is strongly supported by Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, who will attend along with General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK and Olympic gold medallist and Ukrainian MP, Zhan Beleniuk.
Maestro Hryhoriv said: “This isn’t just an instrument to me - it transcends music and the idea of a concert.
“It feels more like a ritual, a profound expression of my emotions, and symbolises the horror experienced by Ukrainian people.
"The reality which is real and raw, and the devastating impact it has had on the lives of Ukrainian people.
“No other instrument can come close to its power and outpouring of pain and destruction.
“The stories that are woven into its creation and our shared struggles make it truly extraordinary.”
The Oxbridge Foundation was established by Stephen and Helen Clarke in Oxford, in collaboration with Cherwell College Oxford and SCET Berkeley UC in California, to increase educational opportunities for students affected by war, civil unrest, natural disasters, and economic deprivation.
“Our scholarships will provide a lifeline to dislocated Ukrainian students whose educational aspirations have been severely compromised by the relentless war," said Mrs Clarke.
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“Ukraine will overcome this conflict, and we want to make sure our young people who are our country’s future get the support they need now to help the nation rebuild.”
The two works to be performed were composed during Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine by two of the country’s most distinguished contemporary composers.
They are Song of the Unborn for the BM-27K Uragan missile by Roman Hryhoriv, and City of Mary by Zoltan Almashi.
A bronze sculpture of President Volodymyr Zelensky by renowned sculptor Professor Nadey Hakim will be auctioned to raise further funds on the night.
“In the future I’d like to see the instrument displayed in a museum. I’d like the world to see that we are a strong nation and that we have overcome this brutal history," said Hryhoriv.
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