Beethoven didn’t have much time for tyrants. “If I understood war as well as I understand music, I would conquer him” was his verdict when Napoleon invaded Austria – and judging from the daring, the charisma and the sheer, elemental force of his ‘Eroica’ (Heroic) Symphony, he might have had a point.

The commitment and skill of Ukrainian musicians always receives a warm welcome here at Cadogan Hall, and tonight, one of Ukraine’s most-admired pianists takes the spotlight in the majestic ‘Emperor’ Concerto – music of unbreakable grandeur and defiance, and the perfect complement to the ‘Eroica’.

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National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Cadogan Hall 

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine has long been one of the most distinguished European orchestras, achieving worldwide recognition through its many international tours which include Australia, the US, Europe and Asia.

Internationally renowned cellist, Natalia Khoma, has been hailed around the world as “technically dazzling”, “intense, brilliant, and with perfect structure”. Khoma solos with the returning NSO Ukraine who perform a program of Ukrainian composers and Sibelius’ Third Symphony. This tour is an important showcase of the ensemble’s artistry and war-torn perseverance through selections from occupied nations.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine & Natalia Khoma, Cello

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1918 as Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is the most-recorded orchestra in any former Soviet territory and has long been recognized as one of the finest orchestras of Eastern Europe. The Schwartz Center welcomes the orchestra for its first tour in the U.S. since conflict in its country began. Grammy Award–winning Ukrainian conductor Volodymyr Sirenko leads the orchestra with renowned cellist Natalia Khoma performing Haydn's Cello Concerto. The first and only Ukrainian cellist to have won at the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, Khoma has since distinguished herself as a recitalist and soloist with orchestras throughout the world. As Charleston Today notes, “Natalia … engulfs the instrument, leans on it, and somehow puts it under a spell so that it becomes her own heart and soul uttering all manner of emotion.”

Candler Concert Series: National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Emory University

Founded in 1918 as Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is one of the country’s principal symphonies and the most-recorded orchestra in any former Soviet territory. Now, with their compatriots defending their homeland against a Russian invasion, the orchestra steps out of Russia’s shadow. For their return to McCarter Theatre the symphony brings some of Ukraine’s most talented and renowned musicians to showcase the country’s rich musical history, with a rich program featuring Ukrainian composer Lyatoshynsky’sGrazhyna Symphonic Picture, Sibelius’ Finlandia, and Strauss’ Don Juan.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

Mar 17, 2026