On October 1, the Surma military music festival resonated once again at the War Museum, marking its fourth edition. Around 300 guests–including servicemen, veterans, their families, and cultural figures–gathered at the museum to immerse themselves in a musical atmosphere dedicated to Ukraine’s century-long struggle for freedom.
The Surma programme brought together songs from the early 20th century struggle for independence, the era of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (the UPA), and the ongoing War for Ukrainian Independence.
Performers included Artem Loik, Valeriia Okhtyrchanka, Volodymyr Pastushok, the HARDA band of the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Hidden Element and Misha Pravylnyi, KATE SOUL and Oleksii Kopylov, Kozak Siromaha and the Military Orchestra of the 8th Chernihiv Training Centre of the State Special Transport Service of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, LELÉKA, the STALEVE SERTSE band of the Military Orchestra of the National Defence University of Ukraine, the TNMK band with the ‘Viva’ children’s ensemble, and the YAROSH band. The festival was hosted by soldier and singer Roman Farbota.
Surma is more than just a stage for performances. During the festival, instructors from the 12th ‘Azov’ Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine conducted practical sessions on pre-medical aid and tourniquet application. For both children and adults, workshops on creating badges featuring the festival’s merch were available. "Song has always been, and remains, a weapon for Ukrainians: surma as horn calls us to battle, boosts morale, provides strength in hard times, and unites and rallies our ranks in the fight for freedom. The military music festival is, above all, an expression of respect and gratitude to the Defenders, thanks to whom we live in a free Ukraine," said Yurii Savchuk, Director General of the War Museum.
"For the warriors, music is not merely a source of comfort; it is the rhythm of life. A song embodies memories of family, serves as a voice remembering fallen comrades-in-arms, and acts as a source of strength, reminding us: we are alive, we are unbreakable, and we will undoubtedly prevail," said a khorunzhyi of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine’s ‘Azov’ Brigade, known by the call sign "Med."
The festival took place with the participation and assistance of the 12th ‘Azov’ Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, and with the support of ScreenPro, Rider, the ‘Atlant’ motorhome centre, Art-Mill, and Karpatska Dzherelna. The media partner was Hromadske TV.
About the festival
Surma is the War Museum’s annual military music festival, launched in 2023. It takes place on October 1–the Day of Defenders of Ukraine–and is dedicated to the musical culture of the Ukrainian people through a century-long armed struggle for independence.
We thank everyone who was with us, offered support, and made Surma sound.
See you next year.
