Perth Concert Hall is to stage a fundraiser in a powerful display of solidarity for the people of Ukraine.
Planned for Wednesday, April 20, it will bring together a who’s who of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians and poets.
Artists include Duncan Chisholm, Julie Fowlis, Phil Cunningham, Margaret Bennett, Karen Matheson and Hamish Napier.
Perthshire acts Mad Ferret Band, Ross Ainslie, Tim Edey and fiddler Patsy Reid have stepped up to join the musical extravaganza.
Other musicians include Oksana Mavrodii, Gary Innes, Donald Shaw, Sheena Wellington, Matthew Zajac, Dolina MacLennan, Jonny Hardie, Aileen Ogilvie, Steve Byrne, Bruce McGregor, Mary Ann Kennedy, Gary Innes, Kathleen Jamie, Hamish MacDonald, Gerda Stevenson, Jim and Beth Malcolm and Rituala with further guest artists to be announced.
Tickets to Concert for Ukraine cost £25 and went on sale on Wednesday.
Perth poet and Scottish Makar Jim Mackintosh said: “I’ve organised, I’ve asked and nobody had to be asked twice. All it needs now is for you to join us.”
Many well-known artists from Scotland’s vibrant trad music scene will come together with poetry and Ukrainian songs to show support and raise funds for the people of Ukraine.
All the performers and their technical support have donated their services and Horsecross Arts has waived the hire fee for Perth Concert Hall.
All net proceeds from the event are being donated directly to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Scottish fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm said: “With the unbelievable situation unfolding in Ukraine, we all feel a duty to try to help in some way. A concert to raise funds and to show support and unity with the people of Ukraine is a small gesture, but something we feel is really important.”
Multi-instrumentalist and composer Hamish Napier said: “Ukraine desperately needs funds and support in this terrible time of war.
“All proceeds raised at the event will go towards essentials like food, shelter, medicines and more.
“We feel helpless when we watch the news and see the horrors unfolding. But we can do something - come to this wonderful evening of music and fundraising, lend your support and stand together with the people of Ukraine.”
Andy Shearer, creative director for contemporary music for Perth Concert Hall, said: “Nobody can fail to be moved by the horrendous situation in Ukraine and we all feel a compulsion to do something to help.
“ Perth Concert Hall is honoured and humbled to be hosting Concert for Ukraine. It’s an opportunity for music lovers and, in fact, anyone who wants to get involved, to make a real difference by spending £25 on a ticket and coming along to what will be an unforgettable evening of music and poetry.”
Tickets are available online at www.horsecross.co.uk, by phone or in person between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday at Perth Theatre box office 01738 621031.
