Sounds of Ukraine: Ukrainian Music Festival

The first concert is called "Ukrainian Poem" and showcases the beauty of Ukrainian violin repertoire from the 19th and 21st centuries. This program is a journey through the perspectives that have shaped and continue to shape this young nation. It is an emotional journey to understand the phenomenon of a heroic nation.

The second concert is all about singing. The Ukrainian language is considered one of the most melodic languages in the world and it is no wonder that people in Ukraine love to sing. The concert programme includes folk songs as well as poetic romances by Stetsenko, Alchevsky, Barvinsky and brilliant arias from operas by Meitus and Dankewitsch.

The third concert is a highlight of the festival and is dedicated to the talented Ukrainian composers Vasyl Barvinsky and Myroslav Skoryk, who were born in the famous city of Lviv. In celebration of their anniversaries, which are being commemorated this year, we invite you to immerse yourself in their brilliant works, brought to life in a chamber music evening within a magical atmosphere.

On this exciting evening of the festival, the musicians offer you an unrivalled concert featuring a unique repertoire of rare four-hand piano works by Ukrainian composers. You will be transported to a special world of music, where the piano keys will reveal the hidden treasures of the Ukrainian musical heritage.

The fifth concert is dedicated to the Christmas season. Christmas is the fairytale time we all look forward to. Ukraine has a great number of Christmas rituals and songs. This concert will include various arrangements for the piano.

Ukrainian music culture remains a mystery to many European listeners. The global community's attention turned to the independent state with a centuries-old history when the flames of war erupted on February 24, 2022. The aggressors did not limit themselves to the destruction of cities, towns, factories, and power plants, poisoning of rivers, and mining of fields. They aimed to destroy the awareness of Ukrainian history, literature, and music and mock the Ukrainian language. Defenders of the state are defending Ukraine on the frontlines, and artists are not standing aside. They are participating in the collective struggle for peace, life, and culture. After all, the voice of every nation enriches the European chorus. The "Sounds of Ukraine" festival offers an opportunity to experience Ukrainian musical traditions, see the modern musical portrait of a peace-loving nation, and express support for Ukraine.

“Sounds of Ukraine” is the first festival of Ukrainian classical music in Germany, and the unique one in unveiling its various branches. You will hear the beauty of Ukrainian romance and enjoy a journey through violin repertoire from the 19th century to the present day. You will get acquainted with the most famous Ukrainian composers such as Lysenko, Kosenko, Barvinsky, Skoryk, and Silvestrov, and discover the traditions of Christmas in Ukraine. We invite you to immerse in the captivating world of Ukrainian music and feel the beauty and depth of this cultural heritage.

Let's do this together and draw attention to Ukrainian culture. Visit our website to learn more about the festival, view the program, and reserve free tickets. Become a part of this unique musical journey and support Ukraine in its cultural and existential struggle.

All concerts are charitable. The funds will go towards the needs of people affected by the war and left homeless.

For many years, I have been organizing concerts of Ukrainian piano music to introduce Europeans to the richness and beauty of Ukrainian music. I notice a significant interest in Ukrainian culture and consistently receive positive feedback on my programs. Therefore, I have decided to organize a festival of Ukrainian classical music in Germany.

I am delighted to present to you the second season of the "Sounds of Ukraine" festival this year, which consists of five concerts, each with its own unique theme.

Key events of the 2024 program include:
- "Terra Barocca" and the Phoenix String Quartet: Two outstanding ensembles from Lviv showcasing the diversity of Ukrainian musical tradition.
- Natalia Gordeyeva: Special program featuring works by Lyudkevych in honor of his anniversary.
- Clarinet and Piano: A virtuosic and emotionally rich program featuring works by Skoryk, Shchurovsky, Shukailo, and Lyatoshynsky performed by Andrii Paliarush and Ievgeniia Iermachkova.
- Concert with Silvestrov's music: A special and magical atmosphere created by Silvestrov's music.

We look forward to welcoming you to the concerts to celebrate together the beauty and diversity of Ukrainian music!

This concert commemorates the anniversary of the significant Ukrainian composer Stanislav Lyudkevych, alongside his friends M. Kolessa and V. Barvinsky. The program features rarely performed compositions for violin and piano, as well as piano works showcasing Lyudkevych's masterful command of the instrument. Included are piano works by Barvinsky (3 Preludes) and 4 Preludes by M. Kolessa, adding a folkloric touch to the concert. This romantic, sublime, and contrasting program will transport you to the aristocratic salons of Lviv at the beginning of the 20th century.

The program presents a captivating journey through the diversity of Ukrainian musical tradition, performed by outstanding musicians like Andrii Paliarush on clarinet and Ievgenia Iermachkova on piano. With works such as Levko Kolodub's "Poem" and Myroslav Skoryk's "Karpathian Rhapsody," the program enchants with its beauty of sound, emotional depth, and virtuoso performance, transporting listeners into a world of musical passion.

Immerse yourself in a world of musical reflection with the program "Dialogue with Silence," dedicated to Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov. The evening features his introspective piano music and serene, minimalist compositions. Highlighting the program are the "5 Melodies for Violin and Piano," performed by the exceptional violinist Kateryna Kostiuk. This event offers a unique insight into Silvestrov's work, blending tradition and modernity to enchant the audience with his sonic poetry.

FROM BOLOGNA TO LVIV This concert takes you on a musical journey from Bologna to Lviv, featuring works by prominent European and Ukrainian composers. Experience the elegance and diversity of the Baroque and Classical periods with compositions by Corelli, Bach, Martini, and Mozart. The program is complemented by Ukrainian masterpieces from Bortnianskyi, Berezovskyi, and Tuptalo, which blend Italian influences with national traditions.

The closing concert of the Festival is dedicated to the chamber music of Ukrainian composers Vasyl Barvinsky and Borys Lyatoshynsky. Their works combine national characteristics with universal themes and emotions. Both composers combined national traditions with modern European currents and experimented with form and harmony to express national identity in their music.

Violina Petrychenko sees her mission in making Ukrainian music and culture better known. She began her education in musicology and as a pianist in her hometown of Zaporizhia. Her studies took her to Kyiv, Weimar, Cologne and Essen. She currently works and teaches in Cologne. She has dedicated five CD recordings to Ukrainian composers of the 20th century. Together with her ensembles, the Ukrainian pianist Violina Petrychenko brings the classical music of Ukraine to the concert halls of Europe.

The Ukrainian violinist Natalia Gordeyeva possesses a unique and distinguished violin tone. Jean-Pierre Gounod, the grandson of a famous French composer, described her playing style as "intelligent, elegant, and full of musical courage." Ida Haendel, the legendary student of Carl Flesh, wrote these words about Natalia: "She plays with respect for the score, which is a rare quality nowadays." Since the start of the war in February 2022, Natalia has relocated to Copenhagen and begun her work as an active artist in Denmark.

The "Phoenix String Quartet," founded in Lviv, Ukraine, in 2006, brings together graduates of the Lviv National Music Academy named after Mykola Lysenko. The members of the quartet are: - Mykola Hav'yuk (violin) - Petro Titiaiev (violin) - Vadym Pedorych (viola) - Denys Lytvynenko (cello) This ensemble has participated in numerous chamber music festivals and competitions in Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Romania, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. The Phoenix String Quartet maintains an active touring schedule and enriches its repertoire with masterpieces of world classics as well as music from various alternative genres. In 2024, the quartet expanded its lineup and, together with pianist Violyna Petrychenko, formed a quintet. They actively incorporate Ukrainian works into their program and strive to popularize Ukrainian music in Europe.

The Early Music Ensemble of the Myroslav Skoryk Lviv National Philharmonic was founded in December 2023, featuring well-known Ukrainian musicians and soloists from the Philharmonic. Originating from Anna Ivaniushenko’s “Terra Barocco” concert series since September 2020, the ensemble has performed innovative programs at international festivals like the Virtuososi Music Festival and the Lviv Early Music Festival. Through projects like "Ukraine. Muses Do Not Speak," they've broadcasted ancient Ukrainian music globally, fostering collaborations with institutions such as the Ancient Music Foundation and contributing to the development of historically informed performance at the Lviv School of Music.

Ievgeniia Iermachkova, a pianist born in Crimea, completed her studies at the Ukrainian National Music Academy in 2013. She later earned a Master of Music Professional Performance under Prof. Hisako Kawamura and a Master of Music Duo for Pianists/Instrumentalists under Evgeny Sinaisky at the Folkwang University of the Arts. Iermachkova is a prize winner of several prestigious competitions including the Maria Yudina Chamber Music Competition, the International Piano Competition in Rome, and the Ukrainian Piano Competition "Art of XXI Century". She has participated in renowned festivals and collaborated with distinguished music educators worldwide. Since 2018, she has served as a lecturer at the International Music Academy Anton Rubinstein in Düsseldorf and holds teaching positions at other prestigious institutions.

Andrii Paliarush, born in Ukraine in 2002, started playing clarinet at age eight and became a junior student at the Glière Academy of Music in Kyiv. He graduated with a Junior Specialist degree in 2021 and has won top prizes in national and international competitions, including the Kalio-Mülberg Competition and the I.C.M.U. Competition. Andrii has performed as a soloist with the National Radio Orchestra of Ukraine and the National Chamber Orchestra of Ukraine. Currently studying under Prof. Nicola Jürgensen at Folkwang University in Germany, he is a member of "Folkwang Clarinets" and has appeared at the Klangraum Festival Köln. He recently performed Weber's 2nd Clarinet Concerto with the Bremer Philharmoniker and is slated to perform at the Gezeitenkonzerte festival in Ostfriesland.

Kateryna Kostiuk, born in Kyiv, began studying violin at age five. She continued her education at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, earning her Bachelor's degree there and completing Master's programs in orchestral and solo performance. A winner of international competitions, she has been active in youth orchestras since 2013, notably as concertmaster of the International Youth Orchestra Academy in Germany. Passionate about chamber music, she co-founded Trio Sérénade in 2015. Kateryna has performed with prestigious orchestras and is currently a first violinist with the Niederrheinische Sinfoniker. Her versatile musical background in solo, orchestral, and chamber music delights audiences worldwide.

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Sounds of Ukraine

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