The Anvil in Basingstoke will play host to the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine on October 21 next year as part of its biggest UK tour in 100 years.

The Anvil is joining forces with 16 other major concert venues around the United Kingdom to support Ukraine’s premier symphony orchestra in 2023.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is recognised as one of the finest symphony orchestras in eastern Europe and has announced it will return to the UK for the first time in more than 20 years next autumn.

The orchestra’s performance at The Anvil will include a piece by renowned Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968), whose works the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine has premiered in the past.

The programme also includes Bruch’s ever-popular Violin Concerto no 1 with leading Ukrainian soloist Oleskii Semenenko, and two spectacular symphonic poems – Strauss’ Don Juan and Mazeppa by Liszt, based on the colourful story of the historic Ukrainian leader.

Alexander Hornostai, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine’s managing director and producer, said: “The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine has been an important part of the country’s culture for over 100 years.

“We took the decision early on that we had an important role to play in continuing to perform, to protect and showcase Ukrainian musical culture and show there is more to our country than just the conflict.

“We are deeply grateful to the UK venues and tour promoters who are working with us to ensure this ambitious tour happens.

“We can’t wait to return to the UK after more than two decades and have the opportunity to perform to UK audiences all over the country.”

Another unique element of the UK 2023 tour is that in addition to providing a UK-wide platform for the orchestra to perform it is also fundraising to support the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the continuation of Ukraine’s rich musical culture during the conflict.

A Just Giving appeal with a target of £24,000 has been set up by tour promoter IMG Artists and is being promoted by all 17 concert venues.

All proceeds will be donated directly to the orchestra at the end of its tour.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/national-symphony-orchestra-of-ukraine or call 01256 844244.

To make a donation to the JustGiving appeal, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nsou-tour-2023