Ukrainian Classical Music Highlighted at Concert-Conference in Niederanven

On Saturday 15 November 2025, Chronicle.lu attended a concert-conference titled “Voices of Ukrainian Classical Music”, held at Pianos Kelly in Niederanven.

The event, organised by Ukrculture.lu and philanthropist Geoff Piper, presented lesser known Ukrainian composers and aimed to offer insight into how music carries cultural memory and identity.

Pianist Natalia Movchan and violinist Olha Petryk performed works by Borys Lyatoshynsky, Vasyl Barvinsky, Viktor Kosenko, Hanna Havryletz and others.

The concert, attended by a full auditorium of more than 60 people, opened with introductory remarks in French and German. The artists introduced each composer with short contextual explanations, highlighting their stories and the challenges they faced under political pressure and cultural suppression.

Natalia Movchan noted that much of Ukraine’s classical heritage had long been overshadowed or absorbed by other cultural narratives. She added that the concert sought to give visibility to these voices and to reflect Ukraine’s cultural resilience.

The audience was seated on the second floor among the grand pianos. The absence of a stage or platform removed any separation between the musicians and the listeners, creating an intimate setting. Even from the last row, the precision of each note and the emotion expressed by the artists remained distinct.

Speaking with Chronicle.lu about the performance, the musicians noted that each moment on stage can bring something unexpected and that playing lesser known Ukrainian works carries “a big responsibility”, as they represent their country’s musical heritage.

Asked about the origins of their duo and the choice of works, the musicians explained that although they had studied together, they now live in separate countries. They shared their initial idea with former classmates and spent five months preparing a carefully selected “kaleidoscope of many styles” to include in the programme. “Our classmates did a really big work at archives to find the sheets for us and send it in the mail [post],” explained Natalia Movchan.

“The piece for violin solo, I heard it on YouTube and I was fascinated… it’s magic music for me,” added Olha Petryk commending the choice of Hanna Havryletz (1958-2022) Ex Libris for violin solo, which drew the public’s attention with its dynamic contrasts and her assured interpretation.

Geoff Piper, described as “a continuous supporter of Ukrainian artists”, explained to Chronicle.lu that he had originally supported Czech musicians after retiring early, but shifted his efforts to Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The concert concluded with a small reception, where the artists, the public and the organisers had the chance to meet informally.

About the artists

Born in Lviv, Olha Petryk studied at the Krushelnytska School for gifted children and later with Prof Roman Nodel at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Mannheim, Germany, where she completed her Masterclass diploma. A laureate of the Sergei Prokofiev International Competition, she received a Special Prize for Violin Solo and a Second Prize in the String Quartet category. She has performed across Europe as a soloist and chamber musician and previously taught violin in Mainz. She has been a member of the Luxembourg Philharmonic since 2022.

Also born in Lviv, Natalia Movchan trained at the Salomea Krushelnytska Special Music School and the Lviv National Music Academy before completing her Master’s and Soloist diplomas at the University of Music in Karlsruhe. Praised by Marcello Abbado as a “true talent”, she has won several international prizes, including the First Prize and Gold Medal at the Alice Bel Colle International Competition. She performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician in Ukraine and across Europe.

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Pictured: Geoff Piper, philanthropist and co-organiser of the event
Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu