The latest cultural events raising funds for Ukraine through the arts
As the recent crash of the UK government website for residents to sign up to take in refugees proved, Brits are fervently searching for ways of fundraising for Ukraine in the midst of the Russian invasion. This month, some of the country’s biggest performing arts institutes and stars are doing their part by offering the public the opportunity to get their dose of culture while simultaneously raising money for Ukraine and the charities working on the ground. Here, we’ve rounded up the top picks that are not to be missed.
Royal Opera House Concert Series
From 15 April
This week, the London institution announced that it will be hosting a series of fundraising initiatives in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, including an array of in-person and digitally streamed performances. The highlight is The Royal Opera – Concert for Ukraine Friday 15 April 2022, which will see Ukrainian Oksana Lyniv join Music Director of The Royal Opera Antonio Pappano on the podium to conduct an international roster of artists, including Ukrainian stars, tenor Dmytro Popov and baritone Yuriy Yurchuk. Then, from Friday 22 April 2022, audiences can watch a recording of Crystal Pite’s multi-award-winning ballet Flight Pattern, a moving and poignant response to the refugee crisis in 2017. Finally, on Thursday 5 May 2022, ballet fans can watch a special fundraiser performance of Swan Lake by The Royal Ballet where, in a Company first, Principal dancersLauren Cuthbertson, Sarah Lamb, Marianela Nuñez and Natalia Osipova will join forces to share the role of Odette/Odile. Snap up your tickets ASAP.
The Royal Opera House, London
roh.org.uk
Concert for Ukraine
29 March
The stars are fundraising for Ukraine with this special two-hour concert in support of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Snow Patrol, Manic Street Preachers and Tom Odell are just a few of the names headlining the concert, which will be held at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham. For those who can’t make it to Birmingham, the entire concert will be streamed exclusively on ITV, while Heart and Capital radio shows will be airing from behind-the-scenes. All sponsorship and advertising revenue — which is expected to reach over £3 million — will be donated to the DEC appeal, alongside all funds raised during the concerts.
Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
resortsworldarena.co.uk
Glyndebourne Ukraine Concert
3 April
The East Sussex-based opera establishment, best known for its summer festival with grand picnic intervals, is hosting a special fundraising for Ukraine concert to benefit the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. While specific details of the programme are still to be announced, the concert will see Robin Ticciati unite the London Philharmonic Orchestra and an impressive roster of Glyndebourne artists – all of whom are donating their time – for an afternoon of music in the grand Glyndebourne setting.
Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Comedy Benefits for Ukraine
28 & 30 March
Off The Kerb Productions is hosting two nights of comedy in aid of Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, bringing together some of the UK’s top comedic stars for a night of laughs to combat violence and tragedy. Hosted at London’s Eventim Apollo, the current line-up includes Dara O Briain, Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Romesh Ranganathan, Alan Carr, Michael McIntyre and Rob Beckett, just to name a few, with more names still to be announced.
Eventim Apollo, London
eventimapollo.com
