Sounds of Ukraine

Ukrainian Music Festival

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.

Pianistin Violina Petrychenko

For many years, I have been organizing concerts featuring Ukrainian piano music to introduce Europeans to the richness and beauty of Ukrainian music.

Since last year, I have noticed a great interest in Ukrainian culture and have consistently received positive feedback after my programs. Therefore, I have decided to expand the horizon and organize the first festival of Ukrainian classical music in Germany. My dream is to demonstrate different eras, styles, and moods, bringing together various musicians united by the common desire to unveil the rich world of Ukrainian music to Europe.

And this dream is now coming true. I am excited to present to you a series of diverse concerts under the theme "Sounds of Ukraine." My goal is to make the festival program as diverse as possible, featuring not only classical but also contemporary Ukrainian music. The festival consists of five concerts, each with its own unique theme.

Musicians

Violina Petrychenko, piano, artistic director

Violina Petrychenko

piano, artistic director

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.

Lilia Nikitchuk, mezzo-soprano

Lilia Nikitchuk

mezzo-soprano

Ukrainian mezzo-soprano. Her repertoire is very diverse and ranges from baroque to contemporary music. She is currently a soloist of the Lviv Opera and Philharmonic, one of the leading singers in Ukraine. Her velvet voice enchants her listeners into every role and transports the spirit of any song.

Natalia Gordeeva, Violin

Natalia Gordeeva

Violin

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.

Maksym Rymar, Cello

Maksym Rymar

Cello

Maksym Rymar is an outstanding Ukrainian cellist. He embarked on his musical journey at the young age of four and quickly garnered numerous awards at prestigious national and international competitions. His virtuosic interpretation and masterful command of the cello captivate audiences worldwide. Maksym Rymar has performed on stages in 41 countries across the globe, showcasing his exceptional musical abilities both as a soloist and as a member of renowned ensembles. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of music with Maksym Rymar, a true master of his craft.

Oliver Drechsel, piano

Oliver Drechsel

piano

Oliver Drechsel is one of the most versatile pianists of his generation. In addition to his concert performances and teaching position at the University of Music and Dance Cologne, he is also successful in solo and chamber music CD recordings, as an author of musical writings, editor of scholarly sheet music editions, artistic director of two concert series, and as a composer.

Concerts 2023

Ukrainian Poem. Chamber Music for Violin and Piano

Ukrainian Poem. Chamber Music for Violin and Piano

Sep 8^th 19:00, Wesseling

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.

Ukrainian Romance

Ukrainian Romance

Sep 9^th 18:00, Wesseling

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.

Barvinsky / Skoryk

Barvinsky / Skoryk

Sep 10^th 18:00, Wesseling

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.

The sound of the Ukrainian heart in 4 hands

The sound of the Ukrainian heart in 4 hands

Nov 2^nd 19:00, Monheim am Rhein

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.

Ukrainian Christmas

Ukrainian Christmas

Dec 15^th 19:00, Bonn

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 Christmas

Ukrainian Christmas

Dec 16^th 18:00, Bonn

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.

Contact

For seat reservations, select one of the concerts and fill out the form. For other inquiries, just send an email to