The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra (UFO) is a symphony orchestra founded in 2022 by Canadian-Ukrainian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson as a direct response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Bringing together Ukrainian musicians from inside the country, recent refugees, and Ukrainian players from leading European ensembles, it was set up in collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera, the Polish National Opera, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. The orchestra tours each summer, performing at major concert halls and cathedrals across Europe and the United States, and is under the honorary patronage of Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska. Its signature gesture - singing Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' in Ukrainian, opening with 'Slava' instead of 'Freude' - has become a widely recognised symbol of Ukrainian cultural resistance.
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra announced a summer 2026 tour, continuing its annual mission of performing across Europe.
Deutsche Grammophon released a live recording of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony by the UFO, recorded in Vilnius during the 2025 Resilience Tour, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.
The UFO completed its 2025 Resilience Tour, with debut concerts in Lithuania, Latvia, and Romania alongside return visits to Lucerne, Warsaw, Amsterdam, and London.
The Metropolitan Opera announced the UFO's 2025 Resilience Tour, featuring Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and a programme dedicated to Ukrainian artistic resilience.
Conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson was awarded the Order of Princess Olga by President Zelensky on Ukrainian Independence Day for her contributions to Ukrainian culture.
A concert by the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in Warsaw. Founded in 2022, the orchestra unites musicians from Ukraine and around the world in tribute to their country.
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson, performs Beethoven's Seventh Symphony.
