The famous Polish harpsichordist, cultural figure Marek Toporowski arrived in Lviv on a creative visit to present the program on August 11 together with the Ukrainian performer Svitlana Shabaltina. He also attended the opening concert of the Festival on August 10 and shared his impressions of the performance on his website.

“The Lviv Chamber Choir “Gloria” under the direction of Mariana Ferendowych presented a very well-chosen program. Anonymous liturgy of the 17th century; music that wonderfully combines the best in the music of the West (filtered through the experience of the Republic of Poland) and the East. Next, full of subtle vocal colors, two pieces by Oleksandr Kozarenko, a pianist and composer who died this year. Finally, the beautifully sung “Missa Paschalis” by Martyn Leopolita. This, in turn, is the splendor of music in Lviv. Perhaps, stylistically, a solo composition would be more appropriate, but the “Gloria” singers gave a fantastic sense of emotion embedded in the Renaissance polyphony and spontaneous construction of form.It was a stunning performance.

The muses are not silent. And we can still learn from our Ukrainian friends that we should strive for beauty regardless of what is nearby.”

Events of the Festival: https://www.facebook.com/LvivEarlyMusicFestival/