Jean-Guihen Queyras in Ukraine

In August 2024 I traveled to Kyiv with my life partner Annely, where I had the opportunity to give a concert together with Kyiv Camerata, as well as play for wounded soldiers in a rehabilitation center and for children suffering from the traumas of war.
We embarked on this journey, driven by a shared commitment to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and with the hope that a gesture of presence and the power of music could offer even the smallest moments of solace and nurture human connections during these somber times.
Our Ukrainian friends abroad unanimously eased our initial questionnements about whether or not the visit of a cellist could be welcome and constructive in a time of war, when so many more pressing issues arise each day.
It quickly became apparent that this was the right thing to do at the right time, as confirmed by every encounter we had.

Our endless thanks go to those who made this visit possible:
A heartfelt thank you to cellist Denis Severin for his exceptional coordination and management of all contacts for this visit. We are grateful to violin makers Jan and Maciek Bobak for generously lending a beautiful instrument for this trip. The resilience, artistry, and dedication of Kyiv Camerata and Bogdana Pivnenko, who continue to engage with music during a time of war, are truly inspiring. Special recognition goes to Dmitry Logvin for his tireless commitment, both on stage and facilitating the visit to the Recovery Center, where he is making a huge difference. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to our family and friends for their unwavering understanding, support, and encouragement as we embarked on this unique and uncertain journey.