At a time of global uncertainty triggered by the Russo-Ukrainian War, the BBC Proms have announced they are to include a Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra at this year’s returning Proms. The orchestra will feature Ukrainian refugees, as well as Ukrainian members of other European orchestras. According to the United Nations, more than 11 million people are thought to have fled Ukraine since the war commenced on 21st February 2022.

In light of the on-going crisis, Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson has announced that this year’s Proms are an opportunity to “honour those who have died”. With this in mind, the Ukraine Ministry of Culture is granting a special exemption to any male members of orchestras who are currently fighting within the Ukraine military, allowing them to participate within the Ukraine Freedom Orchestra. In a statement announcing their inaugural tour, Wilson added, “I wanted to bring the best orchestral musicians of Ukraine together, from both inside and outside of their country, in a proud display of artistic unity”.

Ukrainian refugee orchestra to play BBC Proms 2022 https://t.co/qwgLfdqXvq

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 26, 2022

Following an opening performance in Warsaw, Poland, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra are set to perform at the BBC Proms on the 31^st July at The Royal Albert Hall in London. Taking into consideration the current climate, Proms director David Pickard said, “I think sometimes you can feel rather powerless if you’re involved in the cultural world when a huge event like this war is going on, and this is a marvellous way to support the country and celebrate the power of music to cross divides.” Pickard also confirmed that contrasting to other cultural events in place, Russian musicians and conductors will not be banned from performing at the Proms, emphasising that they were confident that none of the Russian musicians were supporters of Vladimir Putin’s actions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brusquely transformed the world with a new Iron Curtain settling into place. Yet despite this unsettling background, the Proms will be a cathartic opportunity for people from all over the world to unite in a powerful way.

Due to all that is covid-19 related from the pandemic-era, this is going to be the first BBC Proms held at full capacity since 2019. The BBC has announced that this years 2022 season will last a full eight-weeks, commencing on July 15^th and closing on September 10^th. There will be 84 set performances, featuring more than 3,000 musicians. The season also happens to concur with the 100^th anniversary of the BBC, which will result in further special concerts premeditated to reflect on the influence broadcasters have had on the UK music scene.

Tickets for the Proms will go on sale at 9:00am on Saturday 21^st May, with 96,000 seats available for booking. Ticket prices will start at £8.50 (plus booking fee), with an additional selection of cheaper on-the-day tickets available. Every concert is also to be broadcasted live on BBC Radio 3, and will be available on BBC Sounds. 22 of the concerts will also be broadcasted on BBC television, as well as accessible on BBC iPlayer.

Tickets can be bought here or via the Royal Albert Hall.