Musical Bridges for Peace and Solidarity - concert tour in Switzerland from July 9 to 12, 2026
Young singers and string players from Ukraine, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland will come together in four concerts to perform a program of Nordic and Ukrainian music. The event is organized by the Ukraine Culture Network.
Concert vision
The musicians come together for a week to rehearse and perform. The best way to live the values of respect and tolerance is to play and sing together. The concert tour and the preparatory work allows the young participating musicians to perform music and meet in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding. Music carries a message of peace. It is hoped that the participants will form lasting friendships and networks.
Concert tour
Please join us for one of their very special concerts with Nordic and Ukrainian music!
Thursday, July 9, 18 hours: concert in Grenchen, St. Eusebius
Friday, July 10, 19hours: concert in Lucerne, Maihof
Saturday, July 11, 17 hours: concert in Bern, at Yehudi Menuhin Forum Bern (Helvetiaplatz 6, 3005 Bern). The concert will NOT be open-air, due to the heatwave.
Sunday, July 12, 17 hours: concert in Vevey, St. Martin
Program: ‘Music from Nordic countries’
The program is a balanced mix of instrumental and vocal music.
Music for string orchestra
Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite
Zoltan Almashi: Maria’s city. The piece is dedicated to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, destroyed and now occupied by Russia's army.
Music for choir
Liudmyla V. Dychko: Ukrainian songs 'Wide Forests' and 'Holy God'
Einojuhani Rautavaara: Och glädjen den dansar
Juhani Komilainen: Vaan kautta aikojen
Trad. Norway: Ned I vester
Finale: choir and orchestra combined
Peteris Vasks: Da pacem.
Peteris Vasks is one of the most famous Latvian composers. He stated: "music is the greatest of all muses, as it reaches the divine with most ease."
Organizing team
The overall organization is provided by the Ukraine Culture Network, with special thanks to Werner Schmitt, President of the Board.
Artistic and logistic staff
- Artistic leadership and main project responsibility: Werner Schmitt, cellist, President of Ukraine Culture Network, former Director of the Berne Conservatory and expert in international exchange programs, Berne
- principle conductor of orchestra and choir: Jutta Seppinen, Helsinki
- artistic leader of the Wegelius Strings, Finland: Annemarie Åström, violinist
- Professional coaches and logistics assistants
Partner organizations
- DUNK – De Ungas Musikförbund i Svenskfinland – Finland
- Foundation of the Martin Wegelius-institut – Finland
- European String Teachers Association from countries involved
- Yehudi Menuhin Forum Bern Foundation
- KLANGFORUM SCHWEIZ
- Yehudi Menuhin Stiftung Grenchen
Patronage
H.E. Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador of Ukraine in Switzerland
H.E. Okko-Pekka Salmimies, Ambassador of Finland in Switzerland
H.E. Carl Magnus Nesser, Ambassador of Sweden in Switzerland
