The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, has setup a Ukrainian Musicians Fund in an effort to welcome students displaced by the war. While the funding will go towards tuition and bursary fees, it will also support young musicians’ living costs, English lessons, and any counselling and health support needed, in order to look after the entire wellbeing of Ukrainian students.
The RNCM Ukrainian Musicians Fund
As reported by ilovemanchester.com, virtuoso pianist and RNCM alumnus Ivan Hovorun explained that not only was the cause close to his heart as a Ukrainian musician himself, but that he would also be playing once more in the latest of many fundraising concerts, saying:
“I grew up and studied in Lviv, and I’ve walked through the streets and places that have been totally destroyed. I am in constant contact with my friends there, as they try to defend their homes and cities.
It is 10 years since I studied at the RNCM, where for seven years of study I literally lived and I have most pleasant memories of the those years and concerts. Since March 2022 I have been supporting Ukraine through different events and I am now supporting Ukrainian students of my alma mater.
I think it is my mission to help. It is very important for global music culture that newly coming generation of Ukrainian music students will have an access to the unique facilities, instruments, sources of information, concert platforms and fantastic teachers.”
While RNCM Deputy Principal Manus Carey concurred with Hovorun’s sentiment, adding:
“We want to do everything that we can to ensure that these young musicians who have been displaced from their training have every opportunity to flourish, both in their music and as part of the communities of the RNCM and the city of Manchester. It’s unimaginable to think of what is happening in Ukraine, but as part of the international community of musicians it is our aim to give these talented young musicians a sense of hope.”
The Royal Northern College of Music welcomes donations towards the fund via their website link and also accept postal cheques. Upon launching the fund, the RNCM released full details on their website:
As we hear about the devastating ongoing news of the invasion of Ukraine, the RNCM is working to support musicians displaced from their training.
Together with our Admissions Team, we are creating pathways for music students from Ukraine to continue their studies with us here in Manchester.
We have established the RNCM Ukrainian Musicians Fund to provide those joining us with financial security through bursaries and scholarships. The fund will be their safety net, supporting with tuition fees, living costs, English language training, and health and wellbeing care.
By donating, you will provide security to those who never imagined they would be forced into this position. All contributions will reassure these gifted young people that the RNCM is ready to welcome them into our community to safeguard and continue their future in music.
To make a secure donation online, please follow the instructions below. Alternatively, if you would like to donate by cheque, please send this to:
Development Team
RNCM
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD
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