Germany’s Beethoven-Haus Bonn Supports Musicians Displaced from Ukraine

Beethoven-Haus Bonn has launched an emergency aid program titled “Hope for Peace,” to help support musicians in difficult situations and make living space in Bonn for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

In addition to multiple benefit concerts planned to raise funds, the program will also offer rehearsal, concert, and recording opportunities in the Beethoven-Haus on a project-by-project basis so they can continue to work artistically. 

According to the press release, music projects between artists who view themselves as bridge-builders between Ukraine, Russia, and wider Europe, will also be promoted.

“The aim is to support affected artists and their families through music and with the resources of the Beethoven-Haus,” said Malte Boecker, the institution’s director. 

“We want to contribute to understanding between those affected from the conflict regions and provide space for Russian and Ukrainian music in particular, which can contribute to a culture of peace,” Boecker added. “To this end, the Beethoven-Haus is in close exchange with comparable initiatives, for example at the Centre Européen de Musique in Paris.”

Standing alongside this initiative is president of the Beethoven-Haus, violinist Daniel Hope, who has given many concerts in solidarity with Ukraine — including a virtual performance you can watch here. Additionally in Berlin, he performed works by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, 84, who had escaped Kyiv on foot just days prior and attended the performance. 

Upcoming “Hope for Peace” benefit concerts include pianist Philipp Scheucher playing works by Beethoven on April 4, 2022, in the Chamber Music Hall of the Beethoven-Haus Bonn; and jazz pianist Vadim Neselovsky performing “Odessa” on April 29. 

The Beethoven-Haus is asking for support for “Hope for Peace” through donations and/or volunteer work. 

To donate to the cause, the details are:

Stiftung Beethoven-Haus (Beethoven House Foundation)
Keyword "Hope for Peace"
IBAN: DE 79 3705 0198 1900 8390 26
BIC: COLSDE33XXX
A donation receipt will be issued upon request.

To volunteer, contact:
Stiftung Beethoven-Haus Bonn
Sekretariat
Bonngasse 24-26
53111 Bonn
[email protected]
TEL: 0228 98175-0 

A recent “Hope for Peace” benefit concert with Daniel Hope and pianist Alexey Botvinov in the Dresden Frauenkirche, was broadcast on the ARTE TV channel and can be watched below.