On April, 10, the radio program on SymphonyCast about our USA tour was published. It says, “In the medieval city of Lviv on Ukraine’s western border with Poland, an orchestra dares to do the unthinkable: carry a message of hope across the world during a period of war and instability. The ensemble’s resilience is a testament to its determination and the timelessness of the great works it performs with vigor, distinction, and artistry”. 

The ensemble is led by the Ukrainian-American conductor Theodore Kuchar, and we’ve listened to the audio with host Steve Seel and have written down some of the interesting parts.

In this interview with Theodore Kuchar, the principal conductor of the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra describes a touching story on his Ukrainian origin. Once his father told him, “You must go back to Ukraine, to take care of that person who did not have the same fortune that you had”. That became his manifest with the orchestra and Ukrainian part of his creative activities.

By the way, during this air, you can hear “Tragic Overture” by Johannes Brahms, Grieg’s Piano Concerto, Dvorak’ Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”) and Serenade for Winds, performed by the orchestra (soloist – Stanislav Khristenko, piano)

Discussing the organization of this tour, the conductor explained:

“When the tour started, I was asked, “When was this tour organized, is it the result of the war”. It was a coincidence. It was organized two years ago, there’s not a single musician of musician who wasn’t looking forward to this as one of the highest points of their professional life. But I would lie to your listeners if I said they all are happy to be here. I speak with each and one of them, daily. Of course, they’re preoccupied, and many of them said “I feel guilty over here. We’re playing in great concert halls while they’re dodging bullets, not knowing if they can exist tomorrow”.

We’re incredibly happy now to have this stage of our cultural achievements fulfilled and looking forward to new opportunities to present Ukrainian art in the world.