Symphony of a Dance

Performers:

Lviv National Philharmonic Academic Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Serhii Khorovets

Programme:

Johannes Brahms – Hungarian Dances
Anatolii Kos-Anatolskyi – Ukrainian Dances from the ballet suite “The Wing of a Seagull”
Jean Sibelius – Valse Triste
Levko Kolodub, Zhanna Kolodub – Dance Suite No. 1

Hopeful, vibrant, and full of life — this evening is dedicated to the dance. The most seasoned ensemble of the Philharmonic, the Academic Symphony Orchestra, invites listeners not just to hear music, but to experience the lightness and vitality that dance inspires.

The symphonic reimagining of traditional folk dances has its roots in the Romantic era of the 19th century. It was masterfully realized in the genre-defining Hungarian Dances by Johannes Brahms, and this legacy was embraced by Ukrainian composers Levko and Zhanna Kolodub.

Their Dance Suite No. 1 whirls through some of the most vivid and energetic melodies of Ukrainian folklore, captivating even the most discerning listener with its vibrant soundscape. The suite’s rhythm and color continue in the Ukrainian Dances from Anatolii Kos-Anatolskyi’s ballet suite “The Wing of a Seagull.” These energetic works are gently offset by the melancholic lyricism of Valse Triste — one of the most beloved compositions by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

“I had the opportunity to learn from conductors like Volodymyr Sirenko and Valerii Matiukhin. I watched how they approached performing Ukrainian music. I was always looking for optimistic works, from the 18th century to today. I searched through catalogues, archives, libraries, met with music fund experts. This is something I’m passionate about. I do digital engraving of the scores I find — and share them with others.

Lev Kolodub was my orchestration teacher. He didn’t talk much about his own works, but he gave us a chance to get to know them. And when I finally opened his scores — the orchestra came alive. We truly enjoy playing his orchestral suites and overtures.”

— from an interview with Serhii Khorovets