In Kharkiv, a recording of the concert “Rebellion of Organs – Art Not Defeated by War” took place. Five organs sounded simultaneously in the hall of the Kharkiv Philharmonic — this was the first case in Ukraine. The participants of the concert were servicemen of the 5th OShBr and musicians from different cities of Ukraine. said conductor and officer of the 5th separate assault brigade Serhii Lyhomanenko.
The idea of a concert, during which several organs play simultaneously in one room, appeared even before the full-scale war, notes Serhii Lyhomanenko, but it was realized only this year. According to him, during the war, the concept acquired new meanings.
“Organ rebellion is an art not conquered by war” is a musical project that combines art and becomes a symbol of resistance and memory of the dead, Lyhomanenko explained.
The initiators of the project — musicians and military personnel of 5 separate assault brigades — decided to conduct the studio recording in Kharkiv, using one Alexander Schuke wind instrument at the Kharkiv Philharmonic and four digital organs.
“We want to record this concert to preserve its unique sound with this interesting ensemble. I think this is the first time in Ukraine, not only for me, but also for any conductor. It is impossible to physically collect five organs in one room. Perhaps there are some cathedrals in Europe that have two small organs. There is specificity, of course, because there is no usual distribution of instruments, as in an orchestra: violins are on the left, cellos are on the right. Accordingly, it is necessary to learn a little, to adapt to this ensemble. But it is very interesting, Serhii Lyhomanenko noted.
Ukrainian works in the author’s arrangement were performed by the organ ensemble. Among them are “Prayer for Ukraine” by Mykola Lysenko, “Shchedryk” by Mykola Leontovych, “Forest Fugue” by Vlad Solodovnikov, the National Anthem of Ukraine and others. Composer Yevgeny Jacou adapted these works for performance on organs as part of an ensemble.
In civilian life, Serhii Lyhomanenko was the conductor of the Slobozhansky Youth Academic Symphony Orchestra. On February 28, 2022, he joined the army: first to the territorial defense, and later to the assault regiment.
