Honestly, no one knew the composer’s name for this concert. Ukrainian cellist Yana Lavrova, together with Sapporo Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Takahiro Tajima and his wife, pianist Yumi Tajima, performed chamber music works by Ukrainian composers that are rarely heard.
The first piece performed was Shevchenko’s “We Are,” which paraphrased themes from the Ukrainian national anthem. The composer died of illness amid the chaos during the year of Russia’s invasion. Compared to the heroic nature of the original piece, the serene musical ideas were performed with Lavrova’s soft, clear tones and Yumi Tajima’s warm pianism, like a prayer for peace…
Sapporo Symphony Orchestra
The Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1961, is the foremost professional orchestra on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. It plays a vital role in the region’s cultural life, performing a wide repertoire from classical masterworks to contemporary pieces, and is celebrated for its regular concerts at the iconic Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara.
Ukrainian national anthem
The Ukrainian national anthem, “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” (Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished), was officially adopted in 1992 following Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union. Its lyrics originate from a patriotic poem written in 1862 by Pavlo Chubynsky, and it was set to music composed by Mykhailo Verbytsky in 1863, serving as a powerful symbol of Ukrainian national identity and resilience during periods of foreign rule.
We Are
“We Are” is a public art installation and community landmark located in the Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio. It consists of a large, illuminated sign spelling out “WE ARE” in capital letters, which was installed in 2020 to symbolize unity and civic pride. The phrase is a direct nod to the common Ohio State University cheer “O-H-I-O,” making it a modern cultural icon that connects the city’s vibrant art scene with its local identity.
