Ukraine National Orchestra completes UK tour in Norwich

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Ukraine

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (NSOU) has played the final show of its UK tour after returning for the first time in more than 20 years.

Musicians performed at Norwich Theatre Royal, where they were handed Freedom of the City awards to take home.

Tour plans were put on hold when Ukraine was invaded before rehearsals were resumed in Kyiv two months later.

"We were very happy to share our musical art and Ukrainian culture," said pianist Antonii Baryshevski.

"It was a great tour because we have played so many interesting halls and the atmosphere was marvellous."

About 30 members of the orchestra took a 20-hour coach journey to Warsaw in Poland, before they could board a flight to Heathrow as there are no flights in and out of Ukraine.

Pianist Antonii Baryshevski said members of the orchestra wanted to share their country's culture

Men aged between 18 and 60 are usually conscripted to fight, meaning two male members of the 98-strong ensemble were not available to play.

The 17-date tour was the largest single country tour ever undertaken by the orchestra, formed in 1918.

Norwich Theatre chief executive Stephen Crocker said the venue was a "theatre of sanctuary"

Norwich Theatre chief executive Stephen Crocker said when it heard the Ukrainian orchestra was visiting the UK they wanted them to perform at the theatre immediately.

"We are really proud at Norwich Theatre to be a 'theatre of sanctuary' which means we'll take every opportunity we can to give welcome and hospitality to those seeking refuge and sanctuary," he said.

"When the war broke out in Ukraine we really felt for artists who have lost their opportunity to creative freedom."