Musical Monument * Spring in Ukraine 2022’

Musical Monument

• Spring in Ukraine 2022 – symphonic poem by Hoite Pruiksma

• Symphony No. 6 by Anton Bruckner

Het Orkest Amsterdam
conducted by Jacob Slagter

Spring in Ukraine 2022

Hoite Pruiksma composed the symphonic poem Spring in Ukraine 2022 for large symphony orchestra, with the Ukrainian national anthem as a central theme. The work is a musical tribute to Ukraine — a country that, since 24 February 2022, has endured fear and uncertainty, yet remains determined to fight for its future.

“The impetus for this new composition was a news broadcast in May 2022, in which a Ukrainian woman in the countryside of Ukraine, during an interview, silently looked around at the overwhelming beauty of spring at that moment. With amazement and disbelief in her eyes, she could not comprehend that Russia had invaded her country to destroy and oppress it.”

Jacob Slagter, conductor of various symphony orchestras in the Netherlands, was immediately enthusiastic upon seeing the score and was keen to programme the new composition with Het Orkest Amsterdam, alongside Anton Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony. This led to the idea of a tour through Friesland and a concert in Amsterdam as a musical monument for Ukraine.

Het Orkest Amsterdam

Het Orkest Amsterdam is an amateur symphony orchestra with dedicated and advanced musicians, consisting of approximately 75 permanent members who rehearse every Tuesday evening in Amsterdam. Each year, the orchestra presents three varied concert programmes, often featuring young, up-and-coming soloists. From major, well-known symphonic works to lesser-known contemporary compositions, Het Orkest embraces challenges and enjoys going on tour.

Free admission for Ukrainians