Kyiv

The ripple effects of the war in Ukraine are extending human suffering far beyond its borders, exacerbating a global crisis unseen in at least a generation. Morten Jessen began composing "KYIV" shortly after the war started, inspired by the courage and strength of Kyiv’s defenders. While composing, he corresponded with the Ukrainian priest Viktor Marynchak, who held services in the darkness of the Kharkiv subway during Russia’s six-month siege of the city. Ukrainian violinist Natalia Gordeyeva, upon learning about Jessen's composition, felt that her own story was reflected in the music and reached out to the composer. Since then, the two have closely collaborated on a series of charity concerts for Ukraine, performing at venues such as the National Museum in Copenhagen, Elsinore Cathedral, and for Danish media, as well as for the Danish Prime Minister, Parliament, and King Frederik X and Queen Mary.

The piece is also scheduled for a tour in Ukraine in May, including concerts at the Kyiv and Lviv Philharmonic Halls.

Morten Jessen is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, founder of the Nordic Church Ensemble, and organist at Høsterkøb Church in North Zealand. His works often explore the effect of sacred spaces on musical sound and strive to create a dreamy and timeless expression.

Born in Kyiv, violinist Natalia Gordeyeva gave her first solo recital at the age of 7 and performed as a soloist with the Kyiv Camerata chamber orchestra at age 10. She continued her meteoric rise, becoming a sought-after soloist and chamber partner, and later, a teacher at her own academy. Following the invasion of Ukraine, she relocated to Denmark, where she dedicated herself to promoting Ukrainian culture in Europe and quickly re-established herself as a distinguished musician, performing at numerous Ukraine-supporting events and charity concerts.