Concert “Unison. Silvestrov. Pärt. Kancheli”
The concert, to be held on October 25 under the vaults of the majestic St. Sophia Cathedral, will become a meeting place for the music of three geniuses — Valentyn Silvestrov, Arvo Pärt, and Giya Kancheli.
The year 2025 is symbolic: Arvo Pärt celebrates his 90th anniversary, and Giya Kancheli would have turned 90. These significant dates inspired the creation of “Unison” — an event that unites three great figures of the world’s musical culture.We take special pride in the fact that one of them is our compatriot — Valentyn Silvestrov.
Each of the three outstanding composers has his own unique musical language, style, and creative path, yet they are joined by a kindredness of souls, a shared vision of the world, and a striving toward Light.
This unison can be heard not only in their music, but also seen in their lives and long-lasting friendship.
We invite you to join this Unison — a sacred moment of spiritual kinship, profound resonance, warm light, humanity, and pure harmony.
Programme:
Valentin Silvestrov — In Memoriam (2020)
“Although this cycle originated as a response to the Day of Remembrance (May 8, 1945), it is an independent work that can be performed regardless of that date. In essence, it is a variant of a Requiem.”
— V. Silvestrov
Requiem
Lacrimosa
Holy God
Requiem aeternam
Agnus Dei
Elegy (Song without Words)
Lacrimosa
Our Father
Elegy (poem by John Donne)

Soloists: Mark Kutefa (1, 7, 9); Anna Pshenchna (8)

Arvo Pärt — O Holy Father Nicholas (2021)
The work was written for the opening of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in New York, built on the site of the World Trade Center. The church, destroyed during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was rebuilt two decades later.
“The rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church, where the relics of saints are intertwined with the ashes of the victims of the attack, is a unique event for the entire Christian world. I am grateful that my music became a part of this occasion.”
— A. Pärt

Giya Kancheli — Amao omi (2005)
War is madness
“Amao omi — this is the title of a poem by the great Georgian poet Vazha-Pshavela. The words mean: war leads to nothing; it is futile. I confess, everything happening now in Ukraine wounds my heart. Like many Georgians, I grieve and worry for you. I have temporarily refused to travel to Russia, and I don’t know whether I’ll live to see the time when everything returns to its rightful place.
War is madness. Silence is blessed. Amao omi… Alleluia…”
— G. Kancheli

Soloists – String Quartet:
Kyrylo Bondar (violin), Alisa Kuznietsova (violin),
Valentyna Bugrak (viola), Artem Zamkov (cello)
Arrangement: Nicholas Rachveli
Kyiv Chamber ChoirConductor — Mykola Hobdych
 October 25, 2025, 18:00St. Sophia Cathedral, 24 Volodymyrska St.National Sanctuary “Sophia of Kyiv”
Ticket price: 700 UAHTickets are available at the museum ticket office or online.