"FROM THE HEART TO THE HEART"

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has also shaken the lives of many students at our university. The desire to be able to do something and express solidarity with Ukraine has led to a large number of artistic actions and events.

"There is a saying: when the weapons speak, the muses are silent," says Anastasiia Shevchuk, a Ukrainian student at the HfMT and co-organizer of the concerts. "But our muses are not speechless. Music has no nationality and no borders. It appears where words are powerless. It needs no translation because it speaks directly to the heart." Many students at the HfMT think like Anastasiia Shevchuk, regardless of their nationality. By organizing the benefit concerts together, the Russian and Ukrainian students want to draw attention to the situation in Ukraine. The concerts will focus on works by Ukrainian composers and Ukrainian folk songs, which are rarely performed in Germany.
"We want to be heard with the help of our music. That's why we are not alone on stage. We are also supported by our international friends, who also don't want war and want to live in peace," says Vlada Shchavinska, soprano and also a student from Ukraine.

President Prof. Elmar Lampson:
"The hardship in Ukraine triggers solidarity and a willingness to help at the HfMT. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is shaking the foundations of our civilization. Every day we receive reports about the fates of the families of our Ukrainian students. These reports hit us right in the heart. We will do everything we can to help the affected students and their families.
As an international university, we are open to students from all countries even in this terrible situation and support their efforts to maintain common ground beyond the borders of war.
I am impressed by the willingness to take responsibility and the collective energy of our international students. They exchange ideas and organize benefit concerts in which they express their belief in the power of art and their solidarity with the fellow students affected."

On Saturday, March 5 at 5 p.m. in the Mendelssohn Hall and on Sunday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Forum, as well as in the livestream, Ukrainian and Russian students will perform two benefit concerts together under the title "From Heart to Heart", in which the diversity of Ukrainian musical culture can be experienced. Admission is free, donations are requested for the HfMT Hamburg's "Ukraine" emergency relief fund.

Thanks to the support of private sponsors, the HfMT has been able to set up an emergency fund. It supports students in financial distress, organizes solidarity events and creates unbureaucratic study opportunities for Ukrainian students who are on the run.

Help us and make a donation!

Donation account:
Deutsche Bundesbank
IBAN: DE63 2000 0000 0020 1015 24
Keyword/Purpose: Ukraine-Hilfe
(donation receipts can be issued)