20:30-21:40, Friday 18th September 2026
The Cockpit
Music: Alla Sirenko
Libretto & Words: Olha Shvets
Join The Ukrainian Cultural Association in the UK on 18 September for highlights from Azovstal, a powerful new opera by Ukrainian composer Alla Sirenko, with a libretto by Olha Shvets. Depicting the harrowing events of the final battles of the defenders of Mariupol at the ruins of the industrial plant of Azovstal, it shows the resilience and strength of its defenders, but also a touching human side of its heroes with their love, memories, dreams and hopes for a peaceful future.
Meanwhile, one of the soldier’s mothers waits in her village, sharing the worries, hopes, prayers and tears of all mothers in wartime.
The bravery of the soldiers defending Azovstal is inspirational, not just to Ukrainians, but to the whole world. Many of them are still in harsh prisons in deep Russia, without hope of release.
You will have a chance to hear the creators’ stories about the writing of this opera, with some music extracts from this opera, followed by a Q&A from the audience.
Age range: 12+
In a festival of new work, please note that shows can often overrun.
Produced by Alla Sirenko, in association with The Ukrainian Cultural Association in the UK (UCA-UK)
Venue: The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, London NW8 8EH.
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