On 22 October, Bern hosted a concert by the Heorhii Maiboroda National Bandurist Capella of Ukraine — an evening filled with Ukrainian music, profound emotions and love for the nation’s cultural heritage.

In her welcoming address, Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation, emphasised that Ukraine is fighting not only for its independence and freedom, but also to preserve its culture, traditions and national identity.

The performance carried special significance because ten members of the ensemble are currently serving on the front line, defending Ukraine. Their story embodies the inseparable connection between culture and the struggle for freedom, between art and the courage of those who defend our country every day.

Through song, the performers told the story of the Ukrainian people — their pain and sorrow, joy and hope, strength of spirit and resilience. The concert reminded everyone present of the strength of Ukrainians and of how much history, suffering and heritage passed down through generations lives on in their songs.

The guests were particularly impressed by the variety of traditional Ukrainian instruments, including the bandura, tsymbaly, buhai and hurdy-gurdy. Their distinctive sounds offered the audience a glimpse into the richness of Ukrainian musical traditions and their unique character.

Among those attending were numerous friends of Ukraine and Swiss partners, who had the opportunity to discover Ukrainian traditional culture more closely — a culture that remains vibrant, distinctive and full of strength.

The concert was not merely an artistic event; it was also a reminder that Ukrainian culture is inseparable from our freedom and identity. It is our responsibility to preserve and nurture the cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors and to pass it on to future generations.

Ukraine is fighting for its future while safeguarding what makes us Ukrainian: our language, our songs, our traditions and our collective memory.