Moving stories arrive from the web that shows how music manages to make its way even in an inhuman and harrowing scenario like that of war. I am thinking, for example, of the pianist of Bila Cherkva who plays the piano, miraculously intact, in a house destroyed by bombing, or the girl who sings “Let it Go” in the Kiev bunker. Do you think that music can be considered a form of “resistance” against oppression? If so, how? Music has always been a universal language, both in times of peace and in times of war. I think that now more than ever we feel the need to express ourselves. This is especially true of the Ukrainian people, who have music in their blood. In every house you can hear people singing or playing, it is part of everyday life. I think that music can also be considered as an antidote, it can help to endure suffering, to console those who lose loved ones, to think beyond earthly and material life. But it can also give you courage, hope, energy and suggest answers to any questions you may have. In short, it’s a great help. We can see the strength of music even in past wars. In any dictatorship, music has always been censored for some reason. Those in power feared that compositions or harmonies could “awaken” people, give ideas or ways out. Besides being a concert artist, you teach at the Yamaha Music School in Zurich and give regular masterclasses. What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching for you? Since I was a child, I had the desire to teach. It is also thanks to my first teacher who left a strong mark on my musical life, and I have always wanted to do the same for my students. I experienced first-hand the various difficulties in growing musically and I learned a lot during my studies. I was also lucky enough to meet excellent music masters who helped me train and become a professional musician. I would like to be able to do the same for my students, share my knowledge, motivate them to face different obstacles, and guide them to become allaround musicians. During your career, you have played prestigious stages around the world; in Europe, the United States, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and South Africa. In 2013 you also performed in Sanremo alongside Andrea Bocelli, with whom you have been collaborating for twelve years. It is said that the Ariston stage has something special and magical and that it intimidates even the most experienced artists. What memory do you have of the Sanremo experience? I have very pleasant memories, a beautiful theatre and a festival followed all over the world. I was 18 and I still remember the emotion of getting on that stage. I was already collaborating with Andrea Bocelli, an artist and person who I respect very much, I still remember the rehearsals and the preparation of the event; It was a great experience. I hope to be able to play again in this fascinating theatre. Do you have any musical initiatives planned to support Ukraine in this difficult moment? When a people suffer unjustly, especially because it is the country of my childhood, I feel called to the cause. I currently have charity concerts planned to support Ukraine in France, Italy, and Spain. In the program I have included Ukrainian music. I am also preparing videos with the music of Ukrainian composers (like Skoryk or Lysenko) to make them better known, give hope, courage and send a message of closeness to all those who suffer this unjust war. In my opinion, art is essential for preventing wars because it increases sensitivity, empathy, and all those values that make us human. What plea would you like to make to help the Ukrainian people? As the mother of an 8-month-old baby I feel the need to think about the next generation. I would therefore like to appeal to all mothers. We have to stick together to defend healthy values, educate our children for peace, respect, and protect the world we would like to leave for the next generation! 18 OI magazine
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