Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra Invincible
The Met Opera and Associates Host in David Geffen Hall
By: Susan Hall - Aug 28, 2026
Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera
Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:30 pm
The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra stopped off at David Geffen Hall in New York as part of their Invincible Tour. The first program was bracketed by two urgent works—notably a new suite by Ukrainian composer Maxim Kolomiiets introducing his opera commissioned by the Met and Polish National Opera. It is an eerie and moving work telling the story of two mothers whose children have been placed in camps d by the Russians and who go out in search of them. Beethoven left us standing at the end.
Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs were central to the evening. They were performed by one of the world's leading sopranos, Lise Davidsen, whose boutoniere was in the colors of Ukraine. Artists waive their standard fees for the Orchestra.
Met general manager Peter Gelb is a prime mover in support of this effort on behalf of the beleaguered country's art and artists. He maintains that art must be political. Yet that subject is still hotly debated. More interesting is Native American/Mayflower composer Brent Michael Davids, who argues for "meaning." Should Andrea Bocelli be warming us up to the current American President?
What arts institutions can do, and the Met is spearheading this effort on behalf of Ukrainian musicians, is keep the musicians performing (their transportation to corners around the world paid by United Airlines in this case). The revenue from ticket sales goes to Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy and also to humanitarian efforts like the Red Cross.
The Met Opera provides administrative and managerial support along with artist managers Askonas Holt. The Polish Opera has co-developed the new opera, The Mothers of Kershon, which will premiere in Warsaw in October. Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Ford Foundation are major donors, as are the Bruce Kovner Foundation and Ann Ziff, Met opera stalwarts.
Deutsche Grammophon records the orchestra and also contributes to its support.
Over 50% of Americans support Ukraine in its effort to push back Putin and the Russians. While Mr. Gelb says that we do not support the war, this is simply not true. Our high-technology knowledge has been instrumental in developing drone warfare. The Ukrainians attack crucial energy and military supplies, not people.
Conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson was warmly received by her orchestra and the audience. She is part Ukrainian and has a cousin on the front lines. His plight first moved her to get involved. First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, was a patron of the event.
The beautiful Ukrainian national anthem concluded thepprogram. Is words were written in the mid 19th century. The music was adopted by the Ukraine Parliament in 1992.