Ukraine news on how some use music to escape the horrors and how some use it to rally support – Part 2
The music setting in Ukraine was once a thriving, diverse scene of all styles and genres, which grew exponentially in this country after the 2014 revolution. Now, Russia’s invasion has put its future at risk, and its world has been turned upside down. This is part 2 of an ongoing series dedicated to telling the story of those in the music and audio industry affected by the invasion by Russia.
Shattered glass among a lone piano
As Russia began its invasion, reports were stirring that the Russian military was steadily closing in on Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest city. Sirens pierced the air as people attempted to flee the condemned city.
But there was one sound playing through the air that wasn’t a wail of terror – a young boy playing the piano.
Amid the suspense and disarray, a young boy in the city sat down at a polished white piano, left abandoned in a hotel lobby and began to play some notes from a song that previously brought him comfort- and there was never a more apt time.
The piece was identified as Walk to School and was composed in 2020 by world-renowned composer Philip Glass. It was co-created with Paul Leonard-Morgan – who never envisioned their creation becoming the maudlin backdrop to a real-life war scene.
Paul states that he was “moved beyond words that someone could find escapism from our music at this horrific time in their life.”
The sound of bombshells and air raid sirens may currently fill the air of Ukraine, but we look forward to the days when soul-tugging symphonies and heart-pumping performances fill the hearts of all that live in this land.
Peace To Ukraine 
Learn More About Mother City Audio
