On 8 April 2022, Olexander Stoyanov, Head of the Kyiv Grand Ballet made a public statement about a decision of the Kyiv Grand Ballet to temporarily stop the performance of “Swan Lake” ballet and other works by Russian composers until the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped. This decision was made after the artists of the Kyiv Grand Ballet learned about the atrocities committed by the Russian army in the Kyiv region that may amount to the crimes against humanity and war crimes.

As organizers of the concert of the Kyiv Grand Ballet at Oslo Konserthus on 22 April 2022, we express our full support of that decision. We fully understand how difficult it is for the artists of the Kyiv Grand Ballet to perform Russian works, while Russian bullets are killing innocent civilians in Ukraine, including women and children.

We are also pleased to confirm that the special concert of solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people at Oslo Konserthus on 22 April 2022 at 20:00 will proceed as initially announced. The Kyiv Grand Ballet will perform “Giselle” by the French composer Adolphe Adam. Olexander Stoyanov and Kateryna Kukhar – principal dancers at the National Opera of Ukraine – will be the guest stars of the production.

We look forward to welcoming all guests who bought tickets to this exclusive concert in support of Ukraine at Oslo Konserthus on 22 April 2022.

Viacheslav Yatsiuk
Ambassador of Ukraine
to the Kingdom of Norway

Jørgen Roll
Administrative director and CEO,
Oslo Konserthus