About
I had to leave my home in March 2022 because the medical equipment that’s keeping me alive became unavailable in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. My whole family stayed in or near Mykolaïv — fighting, volunteering, working under shelling. I’m currently studying at The Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, writing and performing music about the pain and courage of my people. I think artists have great power and great responsibility in a time of war. By being sincere and accurate, I try to raise awareness and inspire people to support Ukraine as long as needed.
Music
«Three Phonecalls From Home» quartet is about personal experiences of my close friends in Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine. It consists of three movements:
Mvt. 1 («Told Ya») is a portrait of an artist, who keeps creating and teaching under shelling. He’s strong, and yet vulnerable; resilient, but exhausted. He dreams of a happy post-war life, and at the same time realizes nothing will be the same.
Mvt. 2 («Dream») is about a quiet hero. He found a way to remain calm in the midst of war so that he can keep helping others. Still, he is undoubtedly impacted by everyday tragedy. In the music, the pain and the love are intertwined.
Mvt. 3 («More Than Before») is dedicated to a kind, sensitive person, who wants to live in peace. But when someone comes to kill your family and burn your home, you can’t just talk them out of it. So he joined the Ukrainian Army when Russia’s full-scale invasion started.
The final movement is built on three folk melodies. One is an ancient lyrical song, recorded by ethnographers in the region where my friend grew up. The other is a humorous tune from the 19th century. And the third, most easily recognizable melody, is an anthem of Ukrainian Resistance for more than a hundred years now.
The piece is written for a unique ensemble called The Shifted String Quartet.
Three Phonecalls From Home
Mvt. 1: Told Ya
Three Phonecalls From Home
Mvt. 2: Dream
Three Phonecalls From Home
Mvt. 3: More Than Before