Slovenian Youth Orchestra organises evacuation of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine 

Ljubljana, 5 March 2022 - The Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO), with the wholehearted support of the Municipality of Ljubljana, Perutnina Ptuj and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, is organising the evacuation of the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (YsOU). 

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO), with conductor of the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana and artistic director of the SMO Živa Ploi Peršuh, has responded to the appeal for help from the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (YsOU), led by internationally renowned conductor Oksana Lyniv, artistic director of Teatro Bologna. With the help of the Municipality of Ljubljana, which will help with transport and accommodation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, which will provide logistical and administrative support, and Perutnina Ptuj, which will help with food and financial resources, the SMO will transport the first 95 musicians to Slovenia on Sunday.

Buses to Slovenia will depart from the western Ukrainian town of Chop, departing at 12:30 on Sunday, 6 March. The fundraising campaign is taking place via YsOU's social channels, including their FB community (https://www.facebook.com/125046384884213/posts/991989154856594/)

Young musicians up to the age of 18 will arrive in Ljubljana with their chaperones, where they will be accommodated in hostels, and later with families and volunteers.

After their placement, SMO will work with YsOU to organise as many musical activities as possible and an orchestra camp for them to practice and play with their Slovenian peers.

Interested parties can offer accommodation on our website www.smo.ngo. The website will collect donations from companies and individuals to continue funding food, basic necessities, accommodation, assistance to underage musicians, translation and facilitating musical activities.

Find out more about the Ukrainian Youth Orchestra:

http://www.ysou.com.ua/

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra would like to thank the Mayor of Ljubljana, Mr Zoran Janković, the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the management of Perutnina Ptuj for their immediate support and assistance. We will keep you informed of further developments and will organise a press conference next week.

We are at your disposal for further information.

Kind regards.

Živa Ploj Peršuh