CelloBello, the world’s leading resource on all things cello, has gathered cellists from around the world in a musical tribute dedicated to those who have fought and sacrificed for freedom in Ukraine since the Russian full-scale invasion began on February 24th of this year. August 24 marks not only the 6-month marker from the start of all-out war, but more importantly is Independence Day of Ukraine. CelloBello will host several events, including the premiere of an internationally-collaborative music video, a livestream conversation with Ukrainian musicians, and a live conversation with cellists who participated in the project.

Music Video
The new music video features renowned cellists Mike Block (USA), Paul Katz (USA), Zlatomir Fung (USA), Elena Korableva (Russia/USA), Petro Sokach (Ukraine/Norway) and Glib Sasko (Ukraine) in a music video of a newly-commissioned arrangement by Mike Block that contains a Ukrainian folk song and the State of Ukraine Anthem. The video is set to premiere on CelloBello’s YouTube Channel at 12 noon (EDT) on Wednesday, August 24.

Ukrainian cellist Petro Sokach, now living in Norway and helping Ukrainian refugees there was drawn to this project as it was an opportunity to send a message to people around the world, especially Ukrainians. “We, as Ukrainians not living in Ukraine always feel guilty about not being there. No matter how much we do, it never feels like enough. This was an opportunity to participate in something I know will touch Ukrainians, and hopefully many others,” Sokach said.