The UK and Ukraine come together for the ‘Magical Music of Harry Potter’ in Belgium

‘The Magical Music of Harry Potter’ tour came to Liège in Belgium on 16 November. An exceptional performance by the Ukrainian Khmelnitsky Orchestra and actor Chris Rankin (who played Percy Weasley in the films), who was the presenter and host.

The Khmelnitsky Orchestra have been touring all over Europe, performing excerpts from the film soundtracks of five-time Oscar winner John Williams, Patrick Doyle, and Nicolas Hooper.

Our Deputy Ambassador Chloe Louter and the Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires Natalia Anoshyna had the honour of going on stage to share a few words after a touching closing performance of the Ukrainian national anthem. They spoke of the enduring cultural impact of Harry Potter, the heroic Ukrainian struggle and the strong UK-Ukrainian friendship.

Deputy Ambassador Chloe Louter said:

I was delighted to hear that the Khmelnitsky Orchestra would be performing the Magical Music of Harry Potter here in Belgium. It is an incredible honour to have such an iconic part of British culture being performed by a Ukrainian orchestra. It is also fitting in a certain sense. The Harry Potter books and films teach us the values of courage, friendship and perseverance through a fictional story. Ukrainians today are showing us the meaning of these values in real life, as they fight to defend their freedom. The UK will stand in friendship with the people of Ukraine and support them in any way we can.

The UK’s support to Ukraine goes beyond defence, economic and humanitarian means. This is why the British Embassy to Belgium was keen to support Ukrainian artists showcase their talent at a time when Ukraine’s culture and values are under attack.

The UK has been at the forefront of international support for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s premeditated and barbaric attack. Our total military, humanitarian and economic support now amounts to nearly £4 billion, including a £50m package to support air defence, which was announced by the Prime Minister on his visit to Kyiv on November 19. The UK government is supporting investigations by the Ukrainian authorities and the International Criminal Court into atrocities committed in Ukraine to make sure that those responsible for these acts are held to account.