Scottish and Ukrainian national anthems performed at Kelvingrove
Scottish and Ukrainian national anthems performed at Kelvingrove
1 June 2022
This morning, the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland played a special rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem in the iconic surroundings of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to welcome the Ukrainian national team and their travelling supporters ahead of tonight’s Scotland versus Ukraine football game at Hampden.
The idea was the brainchild of writer, communicator, strategist and piper Alastair Campbell, and the National Piping Centre’s Director of Piping Finlay MacDonald.
The duo took it to the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland (NYPBoS) who jumped at the chance to learn and play the anthem, entitled Sche ne vmerla Ukraina (meaning, 'Ukraine has not yet perished'), and to extend a hand of musical friendship to the Ukrainian people as they continue their struggle against the Russian invasion.
Glasgow Life was delighted to open the doors of Kelvingrove to host this moving musical tribute in support of Ukraine and Glasgow’s fellow UNESCO City of Music, Kharkiv.
Finlay MacDonald, Director of Piping at The National Piping Centre, said: “As a nation we of course want Scotland to win tonight, but we are 100% behind Ukraine in the bigger battle they are facing.”
Alistair Campbell said: "Music is the international language of the soul and it's terrific this group of Scottish pipers have learned the Ukrainian anthem and will be playing it as a way of honouring and supporting the people of Ukraine as their football team comes to Glasgow.
"Scots around the world will want Scotland to win the match and go on to qualify for the World Cup finals. But there is also such goodwill towards Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, and I am sure many of them will hear about and appreciate this musical gesture. It will confirm once more the enormous support for them in their struggle against the Russian invasion."