A Russian war rocket that struck Ukraine two years ago, leaving behind destruction and pain, has since been hollowed out, with its explosive components replaced by the delicate bow of a cello.
This transformed relic became the striking centrepiece of a glittering concert recently held at Blenheim Palace.
Hosted by the Oxbridge Foundation, the gala dinner for Ukraine turned the spotlight on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the necessity to help the country’s talented young students access education in the UK and the US, ensuring the next generation is equipped to rebuild the nation.
Maestro Roman Hryhoriv played his extraordinary rocket instrument in the UK for the first time alongside the renowned Kyiv Camerata orchestra, expertly led by artistic director Bogdana Pivnenko and music director Keri-Lynn Wilson.
Together, they delivered a breathtaking and emotional performance, transforming the casing of the Uragan MLRS bomb into a haunting rendition of the ‘Music of War’. Their powerful collaboration captivated the audience, merging the raw intensity of conflict with the transcendent beauty of art.
Maestro Hryhoriv said: “In exceptional circumstances, this rocket has become a musical instrument, and playing it is a ritual of purification. This isn’t just an instrument to me; it transcends music and the idea of a concert. It feels more like a ritual, a profound expression of my emotions.
“It symbolises the horror experienced by the Ukrainian people. No other instrument can come close to its power and outpouring of pain. The stories woven into its creation and our shared struggles, make it truly extraordinary.”
At the heart of the performance were two works composed during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine by two of the country’s most distinguished contemporary composers: ‘Song of the Unborn’ for the 9M27K Uragan missile by Roman Hryhoriv and ‘City of Mary’ by Zoltan Almashi.
Helen Clarke, co-founder of the Oxbridge Foundation, said: “This event has truly delivered on our vision to raise awareness and bring into sharp focus the atrocities and suffering that continue to be endured by the Ukrainian people.
“The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to impact the educational opportunities for bright young Ukrainians and will do so for many years. The foundation is focused on empowering them to continue studying to access opportunities in innovation, technology, academia, science and more.
“Our scholarships will provide a lifeline to displaced Ukrainian students whose educational aspirations have been severely compromised by the relentless war.
“Ukraine will overcome this conflict, and we want to ensure our young people—who are the future of our country—receive the support they need now to help rebuild the nation.”
A remarkable series of performances and guest speakers further enriched the evening, offering an inspiring fusion of history, education, and philanthropy, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Britain’s most iconic palaces.
Cambridge University Schola Cantorum – a Choir from Cambridge – stood firm in their support for Ukraine and the Oxbridge Foundation, delivering a magical choral performance on the night, accompanied by award-winning cellist Graham Walker and internationally renowned organist Alex Trigg.
Celebrated Olympic gold medalist and Ukrainian MP Zhan Beleniuk was in attendance alongside other esteemed guests from the worlds of business, education and technology.
A striking bronze sculpture of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, masterfully crafted by renowned sculptor Professor Nadey Hakim, was generously offered for the event, alongside a glittering installation, the “Head of Spikelets” in white cape by a prominent Ukrainian fashion house BEVZA.
“This is not just a performance for the sake of creating art,” added Maestro Roman Hryhoriv. “It is using an artefact of war to bring some good to my country, to help raise funds for Ukraine, and to advance educational opportunities for young Ukrainians. In the future, I’d like to see the instrument displayed in a museum. I want the world to see that we are a strong nation and that we have overcome this brutal history.”
The Oxbridge Foundation was established by Stephen and Helen Clarke to expand educational opportunities for students affected by war, civil unrest, natural disasters, and economic deprivation. The foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, equipping talented young students from around the world with the mindset to innovate and the desire to make a difference.
Mr Clarke is a former Diplomat and First Secretary for the British Government in Ukraine and is now Principal of Cherwell College Oxford. His wife Helen was born in Ukraine and is Vice Principal of Cherwell College. Proceeds from the Oxbridge Foundation Gala Dinner will go towards a scholarship fund for immersive innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The Oxbridge Foundation has already sponsored Ukrainian students for summer camps at UC Berkeley in California and Cherwell College in Oxford. Students who benefited from the camps have been shortlisted to be among the first to receive further scholarships through the foundation.
Stephen Clarke, Trustee of the Oxbridge Foundation, said: “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has affected the educational opportunities of so many bright, young Ukrainian people. We hope through the work of our foundation, we will empower them to continue their studies and restore their learning and development opportunities.”
Photo credit: Justin Hoffman / Studio8
