In the historic city of Lviv, Ukraine, a beacon of cultural resilience stands tall amidst the looming shadows of war. The Organ Hall, a majestic 17th-century ex-Catholic Church, is now a bustling concert venue where audiences gather nightly to immerse themselves in the lost and overlooked treasures of Ukraine’s classical music heritage.
Despite the ever-present challenges, such as sporadic power outages that demand performances by candlelight, or the eerie interruption of air raid sirens, the Organ Hall has become a symbol of unyielding spirit and one of the most sought-after tickets in Lviv. Running a concert hall during wartime is undeniably demanding, but as Taras Demko, the hall’s co-director, elucidates, the strife intensifies the people’s longing for solace through music.
The frequent, unsettling disruptions from Russian assaults necessitate unwavering strength. “Our mission is to provide a sanctuary where, for a brief moment each day, individuals can find respite and tranquility,” states Demko.
The heart of the Organ Hall beats with its resident orchestra, the Luhansk Philharmonic. This ensemble has endured the tumults of war, relocating twice—initially in 2015 to Sievierodonetsk, and then to Lviv the following year, as conflict zones encroached upon their homes. Memories of the past linger as Igor Shapovalov, the Orchestra’s director, occasionally spots familiar faces in the audience, reminiscent of their concerts in the east.
The therapeutic essence of music is universally acknowledged, and Shapovalov firmly believes in its healing power. He remarks, “Music has served as a salve for human souls across the epochs. It imparts solace to some, rejuvenation to others.”
The Organ Hall’s versatility is commendable. Their diverse schedule boasts an average of over one concert daily. Remarkably, in just the initial seven months of this year, the venue witnessed over 30,000 ticket sales or donations, surpassing the entire previous year’s count. Acknowledging the massive influx of internally displaced Ukrainians in the west, the hall offers complimentary tickets. It’s touching to note that about a third of the attendees are those seeking refuge from war-torn regions.
Ensuring the smooth functioning of this cultural institution is a Herculean task, especially when one considers the geographical proximity of Lviv to the volatile frontlines. Power shortages, consequent to attacks, have necessitated innovative solutions like powering the electric organ with a generator. Interestingly, the ambiance of candle-lit concerts, born out of necessity, resonated so deeply with patrons that they’ve become a mainstay.
Central to the Organ Hall’s mission is the promotion of Ukrainian compositions, spanning both contemporary works and lesser-known masterpieces. This endeavor culminates in live recordings that are subsequently shared online, intending to globalize the genius of Ukrainian maestros.
“Most orchestras globally champion Mozart, but how many celebrate Kosenko?” muses Demko, referencing the eloquent 20th-century Ukrainian composer, Viktor Kosenko.
The journey of rediscovering forgotten Ukrainian music led co-director Ivan Ostapovych to “Zorya”, a satirical opera by composer Ihor Sonevytsky. This avant-garde piece humorously critiques the oppression of artists during the Soviet regime. Its revival at the Organ Hall isn’t merely a performance but a reclamation of Ukraine’s rich musical history.
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