Today, a concert by the Exemplary Orchestra of the Armed Forces of Ukraine took place in the Officers’ House as part of the international art programme “STRONG in UNITY”, which brought together two sister cities – Ogre (Latvia) and Chernihiv (Ukraine).
Since 2007, there has been close cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the cities, which has gained particular importance since 2022.
The conductors on stage were:
- Atvars Lakstigala (Ogre, Latvia) – conductor, volunteer, philanthropist and loyal friend of Chernihiv,
- Colonel Ihor Kishman, Head of the Military Music Department of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Chief Military Conductor,
- Honoured Artist of Ukraine Oleksandr Shevchuk.
The concert featured world premieres and works by composers from Latvia and Ukraine:
Lolita Ritmanis, Raymond Pauls, Gunars Ordelovskis, Yuriy Shevchenko, Levko Kolodub, Borys Shkolovy, and Eduard Kravchuk.
The audience and listeners of the live broadcast in Ogre were addressed:
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine Ilgvars Kļava,
- Colonel Ihor Kishman, Head of the Military Music Department of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,
- Colonel Ihor Bykovskyi, Chief of the Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Exemplary Demonstration Orchestra,
- Oleksandr Shevchuk, Head of the Department of Culture of Chernihiv City Council.
The flag of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Exemplary Demonstration Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Atvars Lakstigala during the concert, was solemnly signed and handed over to Latvia as a token of gratitude.
The concert was held as part of the revived Academy of Ukrainian Music project, which combines music, education and support for the army.
