“Music Keeps Me Going”: Conductor Natalia Ponomarchuk on War, Purpose and Ukraine’s Future
Ukrainian conductor Natalia Ponomarchuk has built an international career while remaining deeply engaged with Ukraine’s cultural life. Ahead of Bouquet Kyiv Stage, she speaks with Kyiv Post about conducting as a form of service, why contemporary Ukrainian music matters globally, the emotional power of St. Sophia Cathedral, and the hope that Ukraine’s future will be defined not only by resilience…
Natalia Ponomarchuk, one of Ukraine’s most distinguished conductors, shares her insights on war, purpose, and Ukraine’s future in an interview with Kyiv Post. Ponomarchuk, who divides her time between London and Kyiv, has been a strong advocate for Ukrainian symphonic music, collaborating with leading ensembles across Europe. Her recent work includes recording Yevhen Stankovych’s complete cycle of Chamber Symphonies.
The upcoming Bouquet Kyiv Stage festival, where she will perform “Journey to the Great River,” highlights the growing international interest in Ukrainian music.
Ponomarchuk emphasizes that conducting is a form of service, regardless of the circumstances. During wartime, her role is to stand with her people and help secure Ukraine’s future. She believes that culture is a crucial part of the home front, and without one, there cannot be a front line. Ukrainian classical music resonates strongly with international audiences today due to its diversity and unique perspective, which enriches the global musical landscape.
Performing at St. Sophia Cathedral is a deeply emotional experience for Ponomarchuk, as she finds it to be a source of inspiration. She believes that beauty remains one of Ukraine’s greatest strengths during wartime, as it sharpens senses and deepens connections with others. For Ponomarchuk, maintaining balance amid the stress and responsibility is about finding strength in music and the extraordinary people around her.
She envisions a future where Ukraine becomes a flourishing garden, a place where art, science, culture, technology, and economy thrive together, embodying Taras Shevchenko’s image of a peaceful and life-giving Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
