Autumn in Kyiv with Vladimir Spivakov

A music ensemble that has no analogue in the world has given a concert to the crowded hall of the National Opera House of Ukraine. This ensemble is the Youth Symphonic Orchestra of the CIS Countries. It was created in 2007 at the initiative of the Inter­govern­men­tal Foundation of Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Countries. Kyiv was the fifth capital of this year’s concert tour of the or­chestra. The concert was con­duc­ted by the maestro Vla­di­mir Spi­vakov.

The USSR People’s Artist Spivakov, who has also been conferred the honorary title of Artist of the World, proved once again at the soiree that classical music is no less interesting than pop music. The works by Guiseppe Verdi, Camille Saint-Saens, Georges Bizet, Niccolo Paganini, Pyotr Tchaikovsky are familiar to all of us (many use their melodies as ring tones on their mobile phones). But Spivakov would not be the maestro Spivakov if his concerts did not also bring a bright creative idea. This time the program seemed to be an embodiment of Tchaikovsky’s expression: “Music is a treasury, which brings something of its own into every nationality, for everyone’s advantage.” This belief is upheld by Spivakov’s words: “Culture is a single life-giving environment which really unites people and helps them hear and understand each other better, ethnic and social disparities disregarding.”

The concert program was weaved together by melodies from various nations. It featured Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese, Polish, and Arab dances; aside the ballets Nutcracker and Swan’s Lake, the musicians also performed Tchaikovsky’s “Neapolitan Dan­ce” and the Georgian Lez­ghin­ka. One should have seen how the conductor’s moves were in unison with the sound and rhythm of the orchestra’s fiery dance. But the main surprise of the concert was Myroslav Skoryk’s Melody performed by the Youth Orchestra. Traditionally, in every country where this international ensemble performs, they play a work by one of the country’s composers. Skoryk’s popular Melody was chosen to be performed in Ukraine; the magic of the conductor’s baton tur­ned into a sympho­nic masterpiece.

There is an advantage to music being performed by young musicians; there is a feeling of freshness, sincerity, and spontaneity, which at times have a stronger influence than professional mastery. Perhaps, this was the reason why the audience reacted so emotionally to every performance. The concert’s opera arias were masterfully performed by mezzo soprano Oksana Volkova, representing Belarus. The performance of the Chinese violinist Fen Nin, who is a winner of many international competitions, such as the First Prize of the Paganini competition, was a triumphant success.

Even the orchestra lineup carried the idea of cultural unity: it included 94 musicians from the CIS countries and Georgia. The orchestra stands had flags that indicated the countries which were represented by the young artistes. They included four Ukrainian flags, those of Anatolii Havrylov, Danylo Purshazh, Viacheslav Bil, Zarema Bekirova.

The feast of music and fraternity in Kyiv took place under the assistance of Russia’s Embassy and the Office of Russian Cooperation in Ukraine, as well as Uk­raine’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Union of Ukraine’s Composers. Moreover, these days Kyiv is hosting Uk­raine’s greatest international music forum, KyivMusicFest, whose special guest was the Youth Symphonic Orchestra of the CIS Countries.

In a matter of few days Ukraine’s capital will again welcome Spivakov and the National Symphonic Orchestra of Russia, headed by Spivakov as artistic director and conductor. The maestro will again amaze us with a creative idea: this time the music will be combined with the cinema art of Charlie Chaplin’s time. Spivakov named the unique program “Chaplin’s Time.” He will present it on the stage of the Ukraina Palace on October 10.