The feet left the floor in De Loods in Groningen on Monday evening. The Kyiv Military Orchestra, known for its impressive performances and deep-rooted musical tradition, played ballads as well as popular songs and jazz. The orchestra members did this to draw attention to the war in their country and to raise money for school supplies for children from Mariupol. By: Ellen Reinders The orchestra has had a long journey. They left Kyiv last Thursday evening and arrived in the Netherlands on Saturday morning. Feeling of optimism The audience is busy looking for a seat while a Ukrainian-Dutch band plays a few songs to warm up the room. After five songs the orchestra appears. There is an enthusiastic buzz from the room as all the members take their positions. The Ukrainian flag shines on the podium. From well-known songs such as I'm coming out, Uptown funk and their own version of It's my life by Bon Jovi to some instrumental songs. The orchestra has a varied repertoire. The audience does not sit still during the performance. A group dances in a circle and the people on the chairs also raise their arms in the air. There is a sense of optimism. "This concert is a nice distraction from the terrible situation in my country," says someone from the audience.
