Thuringia: Gera takes on the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra on a long-term basis

Gera (dpa/th) - The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra will be accommodated in Gera for an indefinite period. "It is with great pleasure that I can announce that we as the city of Gera are giving all orchestra members and their relatives a home during this difficult time," said Mayor Julian Vonarb (non-party) on Tuesday during a rehearsal of the 80-strong orchestra. When the request came from the federal level, he didn't hesitate for long. The city provides apartments and rehearsal rooms for the 80 musicians led by chief conductor Luigi Gaggero and their families. Since the outbreak of the war, the national symphony orchestra of Ukraine has been giving benefit concerts in Europe with a special permit from the Ukrainian government, including Berlin, Dresden and Madrid. Since the concert hall there is being used for other purposes due to the war, the orchestra cannot return to Kyiv. The city of Gera offered the musicians accommodation and the opportunity to rehearse through the mediation of Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt. According to the information, the orchestra can play music in the Tonhalle on Clara-Zetkin-Straße during the summer holidays and regularly at selected times during school hours. In addition, they support the Gera-Altenburg Theater with personnel if required.