March 16 marks another anniversary of one of the most shocking crimes of Russia’s war against Ukraine – the bombing of the Mariupol Drama Theatre in 2022.
Hundreds of civilians had taken shelter inside the theatre, believing it to be a safe place. People wrote the word ДЕТИ – ”CHILDREN” in enormous letters outside the building. It was clearly visible from the air. Yet Russian forces bombed the theatre anyway.
To this day, the exact number of victims remains unknown. Ukrainian authorities believe that hundreds of people were killed. Many were buried beneath the ruins. Independent investigations have never been allowed to uncover the full truth.
Today, the tragedy takes on an even darker dimension. The theatre building has been rebuilt by Russian occupation authorities, and performances are once again taking place on its stage. For many Ukrainians, it feels as if people are dancing on the bones of those who were killed there.
Meanwhile, the war continues. Thousands of Ukrainian children remain deported to Russia, separated from their families and homeland.
In response, Ukrainian cultural institutions around the world continue to remember. Projects like DE TY bring together music, art, and testimony to honour the victims and remind the world that this war and its human cost are far from over.
On March 25, 2026, at the Myroslav Skoryk Lviv National Philharmonic, the project will present a concert-requiem titled “MARIUPOL. City of Mary.” The event commemorates the tragedy of the Mariupol Drama Theatre. The program will feature nine musical works, including the central piece “DE TY: Where Are You?”, composed by Professor Leo Woliansky Sr. in memory of the children who perished in Mariupol. The concert will feature the Lviv Virtuosi Academic Chamber Orchestra, the DUDARYK National Academic Male Choir, and other distinguished performers.
The concert will take place live and will also be streamed online. We invite audiences around the world to join this international act of remembrance and solidarity.
Please buy tickets and support charities that help Ukrainian children:
