“The war with Russia broke up” the Kyiv-Classic Symphony Orchestra, writes Sudarsan Raghavan in Thursday’s (3/10) Washington Post. “The orchestra was part of the Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music, whose development was helped by the famed composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. He often visited Kyiv in the 19th century…. During World War II, the conservatory’s buildings were leveled. In [the current] conflict, the musicians who remained in Kyiv have endured shells and missiles landing close to their homes…. They played their instruments inside their homes or in their basements … keeping ready for the moment they could play together as an orchestra again. That day arrived Wednesday [in] Kyiv’s central square, Maidan…. The 25-minute concert in freezing weather [was] nationally televised…. Conductor Herman Makarenko [said that] the ensemble wanted to play Ukrainian music…. ‘Our eastern neighbor says Ukraine hasn’t any culture,’ said Makarenko…. ‘We would like to show we have culture, one of the best in the world.’… The concert [included] Ukraine’s national anthem, … Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ and ‘Lileya,’ a ballad by Konstantin Dankevich.” Flutist Maria Khmelova said, “This is courageous music, perfect for situations like this. Most Ukrainians have heard of them. They will be inspired.”
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