The Diplomat
The United Kingdom and Ukraine joined forces on Thursday to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in Madrid, coinciding with the second semi-final, with an event parallel to the great European music festival which took place yesterday, Saturday, in the city of Liverpool and was won by Sweden, with the song Tatto, performed by the singer Loreen.
Under the slogan United by Music, reflecting the incredible power of music to unite countries, 150 attendees, including British Ambassador Hugh Elliott, Ukrainian Ambassador Serhii Pohoreltsev and numerous representatives of the Ukrainian community in Spain, celebrated both cultures with a reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Madrid through music, food and clothing, and, above all, the collective demand for a return to peace across Europe.
“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine means that Eurovision cannot be held where it should be, which is in the country of the winner of last year’s festival: Ukraine,” said British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott. “It is an honour for the UK to be hosting in Liverpool in support of Ukraine, as well as joining our Ukrainian friends in Madrid today to celebrate the best of their culture and pay tribute to the bravery and strength of their people.”
“Although Eurovision 2023 may not physically take place in Ukraine, we will all be there along with the incredible Ukrainian people, whose spirit is present at this event,” added the British ambassador.
In the words of Ukrainian Ambassador Serhii Pohoreltsev, “Eurovision is a celebration of music that unites countries in a musical atmosphere and inspires the audience, conveying emotions and energy. For the first time in the history of Eurovision, our true friend the United Kingdom has taken on the honourable mission of organising it on behalf of Ukraine under the motto of friendship between our countries”. The Ukrainian ambassador also underlined the importance of the campaign to raise funds for the purchase of armoured ambulances.
Ukrainian pianist Ihor Prokopiuk was another highlight of the evening, performing a repertoire by Ukrainian composer V. Barvinsky and other Ukrainian composers. Barvinsky and other European composers. Ihor Prokopiuk has been living in Spain since 2014, where he gives concerts, teaches music and collaborates in numerous cultural projects.
