On Feb. 13, the National Symphony of Ukraine made the lengthy expedition to Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. Formed by the Council of Ministers of Ukraine in 1918, the National Symphony of Ukraine is considered to be one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. The Orchestra is conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko and has released over 100 sound recordings that include both Ukrainian and international repertoires. While the Ukrainian population of Hamilton College remains low, Utica boasts an incredibly diverse Ukrainian refugee population, and Wellin Hall bore witness to the influx of Utica residents in the auditorium. As everyone settled in, the lights dimmed as the orchestra took the stage. Beginning with Sinfonia Concertante, a charming piece by Dmitry Bortniansky, the orchestra played in beautiful harmony as the song ended with a crescendo and a bang.

The audience was captivated by Haydn’s Cello Concerto №1, exquisitely performed by world renowned cellist Natalia Khoma, the first and only Ukrainian cellist to become a laureate of the Tchaikovsky Competition. Her enrapturing performance encompassed the three tempos of Haydn’s piece, Moderato, Adagio, and Finale, Allegro Molto, each one painting a different story. In what seemed like a conversation between the strings and Khoma, this concerto exuded confidence and allowed the cellist to illustrate falling phrases, poignant tunes and swelling melodies throughout the piece. With the Finale, the cello carves its solo into the song itself and Khoma sets herself apart from the rest of the orchestra with sweeping chords and impeccable runs.

Sibelius’ Symphony №3 had the audience in awe, and all starstruck eyes were fixated on the stage. The Classical aspect of the piece made it seem deceivingly simple, although its quick tempo and amalgamation of harmonies and melodies produced a stunning symphony that made a breathless audience stand up for a three minute ovation. Following the first standing ovation, the orchestra played a few lively holiday songs, with “Carol of the Bells” being the most recognizable one. What most don’t know, however, is that the legendary song is a Ukrainian Christmas classic and started as “Shchedryk,” a song about a little bird. Another standing ovation ensued after every consecutive finale song, and after the orchestra finally left the stage, inspired people flowed out of the Wellin, discussing the phenomenal performance to which they bore witness.

But it is not just the music that moves us, it is the faces behind the instruments. After having the experience of speaking to the cellist, Natalia Khoma and the conductor, Volodymyr Sirenko, it is paramount to understand the impact that music has on Ukrainian culture and life. Through music, they aim not only to create beautiful compositions but also to instill a sense of togetherness and raise awareness about the country’s struggles. In a nation fighting for independence and facing ongoing turmoil, music becomes a powerful tool for resilience and unity. Khoma stated that music transcends all boundaries and that it personifies life — it spreads hope, evokes feelings of sorrow and bliss and creates a sense of community in everyone listening to it. During the interview, Sirenko and Khoma emphasized the importance of educating oneself about what is going on in Ukraine. “Ukraine gained independence in 1991, and to have it taken away so quickly is heartbreaking…more people need to raise awareness for the war and its brutality,” Khoma says. The day following the Orchestra’s departure from Ukraine, bombs shook the houses of their hometowns and their friends went off to war. The National Ukrainian Orchestra’s and their music’s power to render the audience breathless and call for four standing ovations spreads awareness for Ukraine’s rich culture, while also serving as a grim reminder of the war unfolding on their soil. Aleksei Navalny’s death and the recent capture of Adviika has reinvigorated a sense of geopolitical urgency around the world. Music like the Orchestra’s transcends politics and shows why united support behind Ukraine is critical for their ongoing existential crisis. In the face of adversity, the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people shines through the transformative power of music.