Sold-out concert in Helsinki sends a strong message of support to the Ukrainian Music Life

On 6th April in Helsinki, world-famous alumna of the Sibelius Academy Dalia Stasevska conducted an orchestra formed by the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra and 34 Ukrainian music students who have been displaced from their homes due to the Russian invasion performing with a repertoire of Ukrainian and Finnish composers under the title Let there be light.

The support concert taking place at Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre) received a lot of attention, selling out the 1,700-seat concert hall. Nearly 1,800 viewers also followed the live broadcast of the concert online.

President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb also honoured the occasion with their presence, emphasising the significance of the concert both in Finland and internationally.

The proceeds of the concert – almost 41,000 euros – were raised from ticket sales and donations.

“I am truly delighted that we were able to raise a significant amount for supporting Ukrainian music education and that we were able to facilitate a strong musical and emotional connection between both the students and the audience. The communal support shown by the audience was palpable throughout the entire concert, and with it, we can now influence the future of young artists,” summed up Emilie Gardberg, Dean of the Sibelius Academy.

As part of the AEC For Ukraine campaign, AEC has been tasked with ensuring that the support will benefit Ukrainian music life and its institutions in the best possible way. AEC is now in touch with our contacts in Ukraine regarding their specific needs and the following practical steps.

Photo: MINNA HATINEN

AEC would like to express its sincere gratitude to Dean Emilie Gardberg and her colleagues Tuovi Martinsen and Nina Lackman at Uniarts Helsinki, to Maestra Dalia Stasevska and all musicians of the orchestra as well as all supporting partners: Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre), the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Konstsamfundet, the Sibelius Academy Support Foundation and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.