The Bulgarian National Radio, in partnership with the Bulgarian National Television and the Ivan Vazov National National Theatre, are organizing a campaign in support of the people afflicted by the war in Ukraine.

The campaign will be launched with a charity concert "Together for Ukraine", organized by the Bulgarian National radio and featuring two of its music groups - the BNR’s Big Band and the Mixed Choir. The event will take place on 28 March at 7 pm at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in central Sofia and will be held under the auspices of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

"As a public broadcaster, BNR’s role is to support and give voice to socially significant causes, but also to initiate and organize them," said Director General Milen Mitev. "We need to step up in favour of society, and in the case of Ukraine - not only of Bulgarian society, but in defence of universal human values.

In addition to broadcasting radio programmes, the Bulgarian National Radio, with its six music groups, is very active in the sphere of culture. And it is the universal language of culture and music that can help us bridge our differences.

The funds we hope to help raise will be collected by the Bulgarian Red Cross. We will not be opening separate accounts. We don't see the point in 'competing' in charity, we honestly just want to help."

During the concert, which will be broadcast live on BNR, as well as during its TV and online broadcasting on 3 April, the BNR will promote the Bulgarian Red Cross donation accounts. The raised funds will be distributed according to the guidelines for the assistance of refugees from Ukraine.

What is the moral of this situation – for us as human beings and professionals?

"Above all, for us as people, the moral is that peace cannot be taken for granted - we must fight for it, we must preserve it in every moment and in everything we do.

As a public service media, we contribute to some extent to shaping public attitudes so that each person can form his or her own opinion on the important social dilemmas they face, and we must assume this responsibility with even greater determination.

In times of crisis, the importance of every institution comes to the fore and precisely at this moment the public service media must play their role, providing the public with full, timely, accurate information and different perspectives in an effort to cut through the shroud of misinformation that envelops us," Milen Mitev believes.

The BNR is trying in whatever way possible to help the refugees, Milen Mitev stressed. "At the moment, there is a charity exhibition in the BNR’s Marble Lobby (in front of Studio 1), which will run for a few more weeks, and the funds from it will be channelled to help refugees. We are also supporting a number of initiatives in this direction, trying to contribute to the relief of this crisis and the people affected," the BNR Director General said in conclusion.

Lyubomir Denev Jr, guest conductor of BNR’s Big Band, has more information about the performers and the programme of the concert on 28 March:

"Sacred Concerts by Duke Ellington are the centerpiece of the program. It is a concert for large classical choir and jazz orchestra. Soloist will be Elena Sirakova.

The outstanding Bulgarian clarinetist Borislav Yotsov will join us with his performances of "Film Suite" to music by Vili Kazasyan and two other pieces.

The concert will begin with a performance by Bilyana Miteva, a Bessarabian Bulgarian from Ukraine.

We are preparing hard, as we do for every concert, but now we have a special mission. We know we are not in a position to impact a war, but at least we can help in fundraising. This concert will be broadcast on all BNR programmes, listeners will be able to send text messages which will actually send humanitarian aid to the victims."

"Be human" is the message of the main work in the concert, says Lyubomira Alexandrova, conductor of the BNR Mixed Choir:

"Sacred Concerts consist of works by Ellington, with the “Freedom” suite playing a major role, with its expression of the universal human yearning for freedom and love, for living in a free world, as all people deserve.

There are also several pieces of prayers to God, extremely beautiful music. In one of them there is a very symbolic message, "Wash your hands! Wash your face! Wash your hearts and your souls!" It is very nice to be reminded that we need to open our hearts, soothe our souls and be who we came into this world to be - be human. This work sends across a powerful message for freedom and against the war."

Photos: BNR, library