Botswana will host a landmark international cultural collaboration this February as the Embassy of Ukraine presents the United by Music Tour — a programme designed to strengthen cultural diplomacy, music education, and intercultural artistic exchange between Botswana and Ukraine.
Led by His Excellency Oleksiy Syvak, the initiative brings renowned Ukrainian pianist and ethnomusicologist Dr. Taras Filenko to Botswana for a national masterclass and performance tour.
National Programme Highlights
The tour begins on 26 February 2026 at John Mackenzie School in Francistown.
Masterclasses will be led by Botswana music practitioner Simon Kalommo together with Dr. Filenko.
Participating schools include:
John Mackenzie School
Clifton School
Mophato School
Eastern Gate Academy
Our Lady of the Desert School
Ikhutseng Community Junior School
Sethalekgosi Junior School
Bugalo Junior School
Maradu CJSS
Mahube Junior School
Learners will engage in orchestral exposure sessions, intercultural music learning, and indigenous knowledge integration supported by Kopano Mantswe of the Botswana Folklore Association.
Francistown Concert
An Evening of International Artistry will take place at John Mackenzie Hall on 26 February.
The recital will feature Dr. Filenko alongside choir, marimba and instrumental performances.
🕠 Doors open: 17:30
🎟 Tickets: P50 (Available at the Primary School office only — no door sales)
On 27 February, engagements will take place at the University of Botswana, in collaboration with performing arts academic Dr. Connie Rapoo.
Molepolole Masterclasses
On Saturday, 28 February 2026, the educational outreach continues at the Molepolole College of Education.
🕘 Time: 09:00 – 12:00
Hosted under the leadership of Head of Department Kholisani Moswate, the public masterclasses will focus on:
Composition
Folk music arrangement
Intercultural performance studies
Indigenous music preservation
United by Music Concert
The tour culminates in a public concert at:
📍 Thornhill Primary School
🗓 Saturday, 28 February 2026
🕕 18:00
P80/ P100
The performance will feature the Gaborone Community Orchestra and a fusion of orchestral and indigenous African traditions.
Special Performance: Queen Ambassador Chedza Pansiri
Internationally recognised opera and spiritual singer Chedza Pansiri will deliver a cross-cultural performance accompanied by Dr. Filenko.
Her programme will include:
Solo works from George Frideric Handel
TswanOpera — blending Classical Baroque tradition with:
Naro (Khoisan language)
Kalanga vocal expression
This will also feature a spiritual collaboration with Royal Ambassador His Majesty Malatsi Siwa.
Cultural & Educational Impact
Through engagements at schools, universities and teacher training institutions, the initiative promotes:
✔ Ethnomusicology research
✔ Youth participation in global music dialogue
✔ Indigenous knowledge preservation
✔ Growth of Botswana’s orchestral landscape
