In a distinguished concert hall situated in Lviv, western Ukraine, a classical initiative is breathing life into Ukraine’s forgotten and overlooked musical compositions, drawing packed audiences every evening. This includes performances by the homegrown orchestra, which had to evacuate their homeland due to wartime conflicts.
The serene ambiance is at times broken by air raid alarms. There have been instances where the musicians had to perform under the soft glow of candles during power blackouts. Yet, the Organ Hall, nestled within the grandeur of a 17th-century erstwhile Catholic Church in Lviv, is becoming the most sought-after entertainment spot.
War-torn circumstances have resulted in stretched budgets, extended work hours, and monumental challenges, stated Taras Demko, the hall’s joint director. But the resonance of music becomes even more vital in such times.
“Russia’s relentless attacks are a grim reality,” shared Demko with Reuters. “It becomes imperative to offer some solace, even if it’s just for a brief moment daily, to those seeking peace.”
The Luhansk Philharmonic, the hall’s dedicated orchestra, has had its share of displacements due to the war. They first relocated to Sievierodonetsk in 2015 after their hometown was seized by Russian-aligned separatists. The subsequent move was to Lviv when Sievierodonetsk faced devastation by Russian forces.
Igor Shapovalov, the orchestra’s director, often encounters familiar faces in the audience from past concerts held in the East.
“Music has been a solace for humanity since time immemorial,” expressed Shapovalov. “For many, it provides reassurance and emotional healing.”
The hall’s diverse schedule means audiences can enjoy more than a single concert daily. In just the initial seven months of the present year, ticket sales and donations exceeded 30,000, surpassing the entire previous year.
Ukrainian refugees from the war-stricken eastern and southern parts can avail of complimentary tickets. Displaced individuals constitute roughly a third of the attendees.
Maintaining the concert hall’s operations in Lviv, despite its considerable distance from the war zones, remains a daunting task in a nation under constant threat. During air raid warnings, the attendees are swiftly guided to a safer, windowless corridor.
The previous winter saw the staff innovating ways to connect the electric organ to a backup generator during power disruptions due to assaults. The charm of candle-lit concerts became such a hit that they were retained even post-power restoration.
In a tragic event in early July, a missile attack by Russia on a residential area in Lviv claimed 10 lives. The Organ Hall, in its grief, called off its scheduled choral performance for the evening.
The hall shines a spotlight on Ukrainian compositions, spanning both contemporary works and obscure pieces. Numerous performances are digitally captured and uploaded on YouTube, introducing the global audience to the genius of Ukrainian composers.
“We are familiar with Mozart, but what about Kosenko?” Demko mentioned, highlighting Viktor Kosenko, a renowned 20th-century Ukrainian composer celebrated for his musical expressiveness.
Ivan Ostapovych, the hall’s co-director, was on a mission to rediscover forgotten Ukrainian music when he chanced upon “Zorya”, a satirical opera by composer Ihor Sonevytsky, which humorously critiques the Soviet era’s treatment of artists.
This opera’s sole known rendition post the 1991 Soviet Union collapse was by students. It celebrated its global professional debut at the Organ Hall recently.
In a poignant moment from the opera, a soprano serenades about a bird spreading its wings at a Communist Party gathering, only to be retorted by the party secretary claiming the party to be a loftier subject.
Ostapovych pointed out that attempting such a performance in its 1960s inception era would have resulted in incarceration.
“We are on a journey to reintegrate this music into our historical tapestry.”
In the heart of Lviv, amid the harrowing backdrop of war, the Organ Hall stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. It’s not just a venue for music, but a testament to the indomitable Ukrainian spirit that finds solace in its rich cultural heritage. As the chords of forgotten Ukrainian compositions echo through the halls, they serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, art and music prevail, providing comfort, healing, and a glimpse of a brighter tomorrow.
