VIVERE STRING QUARTET
Prayer for Ukraine
Original compositions by Ukranian composers, telling stories of Ukraine past and present, as masterfully recounted by a premiere Ukrainian string quartet. They include Zoltan Almashi’s “Maria’s City (Mariupol)”, composed from a bomb shelter telling the story of the vibrant city that was devastated by a 3 month siege by Russian forces in 2022, and “Expressions” by composer Hannah Havrylets, who died from lack of medical care in the 3rd day of the invasion.
All proceeds from this album will be donated to non-profit organizations providing relief efforts in Ukraine.
Video:
“Expressions” (Hanna Havrylets)
VIVERE STRING QUARTET ~ Expressions (composer: Hanna Havrylets)
Video:
“Maria’s City (Mariupol)” (Zoltan Almashi)
VIVERE STRING QUARTET ~ Maria's CIty (Mariupol) (Composer: Zoltan Almashi)
Video:
Prayer for Ukraine - Interviews with Vivere String Quartet
VIVERE STRING QUARTET ~ Maria's CIty (Mariupol) (Composer: Zoltan Almashi)
VIVERE STRING QUARTET
The Vivere String Quartet (Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello) is an internationally acclaimed Ukrainian ensemble that brings to the world the music of contemporary Ukranian composers as well as masterworks of the classical chamber music tradition and everything in between. Founded in 2010 by students of the Lviv National Music Academy, the Vivere String Quartet quickly rose to national prominence, winning numerous awards and accolades including grand prize at the All-Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble and Quartet Competition (Lviv, 2013) and first prize at the V. Povzun All-Ukranian Chamber Ensemble Competition (Odesa, 2014). Their exquisitely lyrical style paints stories, whether of love, loss, darkness, light, war or peace, with a broad palette ranging from heart-rending poignancy to explosive tension to transcendent calm. Vivere has performed in Ukraine at the Lviv National Philharmony, the historic Mirror Hall in the Lviv National Opera, and the prestigious “Virtuosos 40” Music Festival of 2021. Internationally they have performed throughout North America and Europe. The Vivere String Quartet has recorded Ukrainian composer Ivan Karabyts’ String Quartet with Golka Records and Brahms Quintet with Dzhmil Records. Prayer for Ukraine with Phenotypic Recordings showcases stories from Ukraine by Ukrainian composers.
Album Information
TITLE: Prayer for Ukraine
ARTISTS: Vivere String Quartet: Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello
COMPOSERS: Zoltan Almashi, Hanna Havrylets, Vasyl Barvinsky
SUMMARY: Original compositions by Ukranian composers, telling stories of Ukraine past and present, as masterfully recounted by a premiere Ukrainian string quartet. They include Zoltan Almashi’s “Maria’s City (Mariupol)”, composed from a bomb shelter telling the story of the vibrant city that was devastated by a 3 month siege by Russian forces in 2022, and “Expressions” by composer Hannah Havrylets, who died from lack of medical care in the 3rd day of the invasion.
CREDITS: Recorded by Leslie Ann Jones at Skywalker Sound, a Lucasfilm LTD company, Marin County, CA. | Assistant Engineer: Robert Gatley | Edited by Leslie Ann Jones and Robert Gatley | Produced by Lesley Robertson and Stephen Prutsman | Mastered by Michael Romanowski | Graphic design: Dmytro Yarynych | Album art: Kataryna Zhovta
MUSIC WITH A MISSION: All proceeds from this album will be donated to Revived Soldiers Ukraine supporting medical rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers
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1. Maria’s City (Mariupol) (2022). Composer: Zoltan Almashi (1975 - )
2. Prayer Composer: Vasyl Barvinsky
String Quartet (1935) Composer: Vasyl Barvinsky (1888 - 1963)
3. Largo
4. Scherzo: Allegro Grazioso
5. Andante
6. Allegro Moderato
7. Carpathian Song (2019). Composer: Zoltan Almashi
8. To Mary. (2019). Composer: Hanna Havrylets
9. Expressions. (2004) Composer: Hanna Havrylets (1958 - 2022).
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"“Prayer for Ukraine" embodies a profound tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people, conveyed through the evocative and heartbreakingly poignant compositions of esteemed Ukrainian composers, as brilliantly interpreted by the renowned Vivere String Quartet. This musical odyssey delves into the intricate tapestry of Ukraine's history, capturing the essence of its people, their triumphs, their sorrows, and the harrowing destruction wrought by the Russia-Ukraine war which started in 2014 and led to the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The toll on Ukraine has been immeasurable, with tens of thousands losing their lives and millions displaced, sparking Europe's gravest refugee crisis since World War II.
The album includes “Maria’s City”, an homage to the city of Mariupol which was devastated by the Russian siege, composed by Zoltan Almashi from a bomb shelter in Kyiv, and two works by Hannah Havrylets who died from lack of medical care on the third day of the invasion. Also present is Vasily Barvinsky's “String Quartet”, which radiates with exuberant Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms, infusing the music with a celebration of the indomitable spirit that defines the Ukrainian ethos.
During the production of this album, members of the Ukrainian creative team worked with unwavering dedication even while undergoing displacement, bombings, and separation from family members. The musicians embarked on a perilous journey by bus through Ukraine to Poland in order to travel to and from the United States to record this album. Their efforts exemplify the enduring commitment of the Ukrainian people to preserve their homeland and culture undeterred by any adversity.
"Prayer for Ukraine" stands as a beacon of courage and is a testament to the strength of all Ukrainians. Through this music, we see the fortitude of a nation, the unshakable commitment of its artists to the beauty of their culture, and the undying flame of hope for freedom. Phenotypic Recordings is honored to support these artists in sharing their message with the world, with all proceeds from the album dedicated to relief efforts in Ukraine."
~ Stephen Prutsman, Phenotypic Recordings
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“Freedom is not granted; it is earned through the tireless efforts of those who dare to dream of a better tomorrow or at least a “tomorrow”. The pursuit of liberty demands our collective strength and solidarity. Freedom is a priceless endeavor, often achieved through unimaginable sacrifices and resilience. Now, more than ever, Ukraine needs your unwavering support! Together, let us amplify our voices and prayers, advocate for justice, and work towards a world where the flame of freedom burns bright for all. ”
— Vivere String Quartet
Vivere String Quartet: Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello
