Ukraine's youth orchestra in exile
Dozens of talented young musicians have fled the war in Ukraine for Slovenia, carrying their instruments and little else. Caroline Hawley goes to Ljubljana to hear their story.
For Miroslava, who's 20, her violin was the one thing she took with her when she fled her home in Ukraine - along with the clothes she was wearing. She's one of dozens of talented musicians from the Ukrainian Youth Symphony Orchestra who were evacuated to the Slovenian capital Ljublijana at the start of the war with Russia. Their rescue was organised by some of Slovenia's top musicians, who wanted to do something to help.
The group comes from all over Ukraine and varies in age from under 10 up to 22, but they're mostly teenage girls; the boys had to stay behind to help with the war effort. Most travelled with their mothers and siblings, but 14 came on their own. They're now playing with the Slovenian Youth Orchestra in a new project called 'Music for the Future'.
For 5 Minutes On, Caroline Hawley - the ±«Óãtv's diplomatic correspondent - goes to Ljublijana to meet them. She finds determined young adults and children who miss home, friends and family, but who want to be musical ambassadors for their country, showcasing its culture and identity. "I can't pick up a gun and fight", says Miroslava, "But I can play my music and share my voice with the world".
Photo credit: The Ukrainian Youth Symphony Orchestra/Music For The Future
