World-famous Lithuanian pianist Darius Mazintas performs in Izium

On December 13, Kremenets Mountain in Izium was covered in fog, but even the fog could not hide the damage caused by the Russian aggression and occupation to the monuments of sacred art, Polovtsian babas (stone sculptures - ed.), and the whole town. 

Mr. Mazintas puts on dark solemn clothes, a black bulletproof vest with Unranian and Canadian flags patches, out of warm clothes allows himself to put on only gloves, and for about an hour in the drizzle, dampness at a temperature of only +5C performs modern Ukrainian classics. He has been choosing these melodies, feeling them and practicing for over a month. 

"With the beginning of the war, I became more interested in Ukrainian culture, so I discovered Silvestrov. His music is all about Ukraine, its nature and people," said Maestro Mazintas. He arrived in Izium the day before and spent the night with the team in an old cellar, which during the war and occupation served as a shelter for more than 60 residents of the town. 

Looking at the Stars Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization based in Toronto that brings classical music performed by first-class artists to those who need it most and least expect it.

On April 26, Looking at the Stars Foundation presented Ukraine with its first classical music concert - in memory of those who died in the devastated city of Irpin - and on December 13, they bowed to the fallen and inspired the living in the city of Izium.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, for the second time, a symbolic gift of classical music - love, respect and admiration - was presented to the resilient and heroic Ukrainian people who are tirelessly and selflessly fighting the evil Russian aggression. I am confident that classical music - our only weapon - can be as powerful as HIMARS. It will further revive the resilient Ukrainians and destroy the psyche and morality of the aggressor,” said Dmitri Kanovich, founder and CEO of the Looking at the Stars Foundation. “We owe Ukraine every day and minute of our peaceful existence, with humility and pride we have the opportunity to say "thank you" from the bottom of our hearts. Glory to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people!"

"Music cannot level destruction, but it heals wounds. With this campaign we draw attention to the cultural losses suffered by the world cultural heritage as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine. We demonstrate how devastating the war is against the Ukrainian people and our culture. In the global context, we are using the world's attention to get out of the shadow of Russian culture today,” says Yaryna Yasynevych, co-organizer of the campaign, head of Demforum, a non-governmental organization. 

Darius Mazintas gets impressed by the resilience of Ukrainians and their ability to preserve humanity and do good even in the darkest times every time. An example of such resilience is the volunteer movement of Izium.

Serhiy Shtanko, who stayed in his hometown throughout the occupation and helped to organize the performance, notes with hope for renewal: "It is important to help the citizens on a daily basis and to draw attention to the cultural heritage of Izyum.”

The performance was organized and funded by the Canadian Looking at the Stars Foundation, with the assistance of the All-Ukrainian Democratic Forum, the People's Army volunteer initiative and the Izium community. 

Photos by Yevhen Kotenko, Looking at the Stars Foundation.