Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy initiates commemoration of the fallen Heroes of Maidan by executing requiem concerts in all music academies of Ukraine on March 30, 2014 in memoriam of `Heavenly Hundred`.
On November 21, 2013, thousands of Ukrainian students poured into streets and squares of their cities protesting against the decision of Ukrainian government to suspend preparations for signing the EU Association Agreement. By peaceful demonstrations these students declared their aspiration for Ukraine to become a member of the European family of nations and a country which respects basic human rights and freedoms.
The criminal authorities impinged on peaceful protests and European values declared by the young people. On November 30, several hundred students, who were accentuating their peaceful demonstration, were brutally dispersed by riot police. Dozens of injured protesters were hospitalized after the massacre, the future of many of them is still obscure.
Appalled by the infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms and by beating peaceful students, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians took to Independence Square (or Maidan) demanding the resignation of the corrupted authorities and the punishment for those guilty of beating the students.
In the course of two-month peaceful revolt the support for the protesters was steadily growing, while the dictatorial power of Viktor Yanukovych was weakening day after day. Demonstrating fake willingness to make concessions to Maidan, Viktor Yanukovych and the subordinate leaders of power structures ordered to use weapons against peaceful protesters on February, 18. During the period of February, 18-20th, nearly 100 people were shot dead by the snipers and the soldiers of police special units. Among the deceased there are scholars, lecturers, students, teachers, artists, architects, play directors, community activists, etc. The blood of these people became the verdict for criminal dictatorship. By giving away their lives this “Heavenly hundred” has brought back freedom for millions of Ukrainians and provides the opportunity to build a new democratic constitutional state.
Ukrainians were sincerely supported by friends and partners from all over the world during the whole period of confrontation with the authorities. Given that our Heroes of Maidan have sacrificed their lives not only for Ukrainian State, but also for genuine human values, rights and freedoms, we are addressing music educational institutions, Ukrainian and world music community with the request to support the initiative of the requiem concerts that are to be held on March 30, 2014, 40 days after the mass shooting of demonstrators.
Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy organizes the execution of " Requiem " by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Lviv St. George Cathedral in order to commemorate Heroes of “Heavenly hundred” on March 30, 2014
Administration and Scholarly Council of Mykola Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy
P.S. All those who support this address are encouraged to forward it to all their partners and colleagues.