TNMU Holds Charity Concert in Support of Ukraine’s Defenders
On 8 October 2026, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University hosted a charity concert and patriotic arts event entitled “Ukraine – We Are Strong!”, dedicated to expressing gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders and raising funds to support Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.
The event began with a minute of silence and the screening of a commemorative video honouring the fallen heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of their homeland.
During the official opening, welcoming addresses were delivered by TNMU Rector Petro Lykhatskyi, Roman Svystun, Deputy Head of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration, and Dmytro Kharchuk, Director of the Ternopil Regional Veterans’ Support Centre, which provides assistance to war veterans and Territorial Defence Forces personnel.
The main aim of the event was to support the 2nd Air Assault Battalion of the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade, whose ranks include the uncle of one of the University’s students, who is defending Ukraine. During the concert, hosts Anastasiia Pryvrotska and Nazarii Bobko announced a fundraising campaign to purchase essential equipment for the unit ahead of the cold season. The items needed included power banks for communication, anti-drone ponchos, tools for fortifying military positions (axes, shovels and pickaxes), and trench candles. Audience members could contribute via a QR code or by placing cash donations in a collection box in the hall.
The University’s talented performers prepared a diverse concert programme. The evening opened with a dramatic performance by the Art-Drama theatre studio, led by lecturer Mariana Varvaruk. The roles were performed by Viktoriia Klopotiuk, Iryna Shvak, Olesia Burlatska, Mariia Hloba, Olha Mihenko and Yulianna Saratsynska.
The TNMU stage then featured a performance of “Ukraine – We Are Strong!” by Yuliia Dubas, “La Casa de Papel” by Ester Kryshtalovych, and “Stezhechka” performed by Viktoriia Kucher. The audience also enjoyed the dance performance “Bilia Topoli” by Olena Tomchuk.
The TNMU choir performed the spiritual prayer “Ukraine, I Pray for You” under the direction of Anna Khmelnytska, with Ester Kryshtalovych as accompanist. The performance also featured a string ensemble comprising Sofiia Shafran and Yustyna Pyptyk, as well as bandura players Olena Holovchak and Anastasiia Babiichuk.
The programme continued with “Zlyva” performed by Anastasiia Slobodian, the rock song “Everest” by Denys Zarivnyi, and a guitar performance of “Civil War” by Illia Kahalo. Other musical highlights included “Syla Rodu” performed by Valentyna Tumanova, “My Country” by Oleksandr Sarabun, and “One and Only Ukraine” by Nazar Kukharchuk.
The duets were among the evening’s highlights. Anna Khmelnytska and Oleksandr Sarabun performed “Freedom and Liberty”, while Daryna Bondar and Sofiia Treshchuk sang “We Are from Ukraine”.
The event was organised by Anastasiia Slobodian, Daryna Bondar, Tetiana Pavlyshyn, Anastasiia Pryvrotska, Anastasiia Horishna, Sofiia Matkivska, Nazarii Sherstiuk, Yuliia Pavonska and Viktoriia Lysenko.
The charity concert brought together the TNMU community through music, creativity and a shared commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defenders. It was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to those protecting the country and an opportunity to turn solidarity into practical assistance for soldiers on the front line.