Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra

Last summer, this heroic freedom orchestra toured the world in defence of Ukraine's democracy and cultural heritage. Their concert at The Concertgebouw was moving and wonderful. 'An evening like few others. [Conductor] Keri-Lynn Wilson deserves all the credit for this unforgettable concert evening,' wrote Dutch newspaper Trouw. This summer, the orchestra, again with Keri-Lynn Wilson, plays Beethoven's Third symphony, 'Eroica'. Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov honours his homeland with his compatriot Yevhen Stankovych's Second Violin Concerto.

Beethoven's 'Eroica'

Beethoven wrote his Third Symphony between 1802 and 1804. Actually, he wanted to dedicate the work to his hero Napoleon Bonaparte, hence its heroic character. He changed it when Napoleon, in his delusions of grandeur, had crowned himself emperor in May 1804. Furious, Beethoven crossed out Napoleon's name in his manuscript. The new nickname 'Eroica' fit well with the heroic and revolutionary music full of unprecedented accents, rhythms and harmonies.