The National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine continues to perform not only in Kyiv, but also in cities located close to the frontline. Viktor Hutsal, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of NAONI, says these trips have become a mission and a responsibility to the people living there.
During the interview, Hutsal stressed that the orchestra’s work extends far beyond Kyiv and the surrounding region. According to him, NAONI musicians have travelled across much of eastern Ukraine and performed in frontline cities.
“We have been to frontline cities where you can clearly hear the shooting, and not every orchestra wants to go there. But we go because we know that without us, things would be worse,” Viktor Hutsal said. Як звучить рок на народних інст…
Among the cities where the orchestra has performed, he named Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kremenchuk and Odesa.
For NAONI, Hutsal said, such trips are no longer simply concert tours.
“I can tell you that this is our mission, and this is what we live for… There is a sense of duty. And most importantly, we genuinely want to do it,” he said. Як звучить рок на народних інст…
Hutsal believes Ukrainian culture must remain present even in places where people are living under the greatest pressure of war. That is why the orchestra continues to travel to regions close to the frontline.
According to the conductor, NAONI wants to share everything the orchestra creates with people across the country. Music, he believes, can provide emotional support and help restore, even briefly, a sense of normal life.
“We have to show people all of our creativity, everything we have. And we have a great deal to offer,” Hutsal said. Як звучить рок на народних інст…
For NAONI, performing in frontline cities is therefore not only about promoting Ukrainian music. It is also a way of standing beside people at a time when they need support most.
