Studnitzky | MEMENTO ODESA
Amid the thundering echoes of war in Ukraine, a symphony of resilience emerged. Memento Odesa, a project that stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, was recorded against the tumultuous backdrop of the war-torn streets of Odesa. The music, composed by Sebastian Studnitzky and recorded with the Odesa Symphonic Orchestra under the baton of Volodymyr Dikiy reverberates the spirit of a city under siege, capturing the glow of memories of what now feels like a distant past, and the uncertainty of the future. It also embodies the emotional turmoil, aspirations, and unyielding strength of a community persevering against the odds.
Composer and jazz trumpeter Sebastian Studnitzky’s relationship with Ukraine runs deep - as a musician, he performed there several times throughout his long career. These ties would only strengthen as the Russian invasion of the country unfolded. These ties deepened as the Russian invasion of the country unfolded. During this period, Studnitzky crossed paths with Anastasiia Pokaz, the Ukrainian Creative Producer, who became an integral member of the XJAZZ! team. Together, they were driven to utilize their platforms to raise awareness about the conflict. Collaborating with fellow Ukrainian artists and collaborators, many of whom had become overnight refugees, they undertook various projects - ranging from albums to fundraising concerts and talks - to support humanitarian efforts in the country. "We are motivated by the power of action, not just words," says Anastasiia Pokaz. "When Sebastian expressed his desire to collaborate with the Odesa orchestra, I reached out to my Ukrainian team with whom I had worked for the last eight years, producing and promoting jazz events. For everyone involved in the project realization process, it felt like a tremendous source of inspiration. In the midst of exhaustion from the current state of the situation, this recording provided a breath of fresh air - an opportunity to taste a previous life where everything was filled with music and love."
In July 2023, in the midst of the conflict, Studnitzky and a close team embarked to Odesa to record three pieces of music with the Odesa Symphonic Orchestra in the city’s historic Philharmonic Hall. Memento Odesa was the result of this five-day whirl-wind trip to the city; a project encompassing both music and video that captures the emotion and urgency of the Ukrainian plight. Only a few days after the EP’s recording took place, a Russian missile struck a cathedral neighbouring the Philharmonic Hall. “Here in Germany people are getting tired of the war, but Ukraine needs as much support from us as before. With this project we want to continue to raise awareness as well as to bring work and joy to the players of the orchestra,” states Studnitzky.
“It was so fascinating, beautiful and scary at the same time,” says Studnitzky of his time spent in Odesa in the summer 2023, “On the one hand you could see the presence of war through military controls and barriers in the streets and on the other, I was experiencing this wonderful and beautiful city with all its shops and restaurants open”. The polarity of “life as usual” amidst the chaos and horrors of war is both an intense and bizarre experience, a contradiction Studnitzky sought to capture in Memento Odesa.
Through Memento Odesa, listeners are transported into the heart of Odesa, experiencing the raw emotions woven within its fabric. The hauntingly beautiful notes of this modern-classical music EP convey stories that echo both pain and hope. More than just an emotional narrative, however, Memento Odesa highlights the importance of artistic projects in turbulent times. It showcases the power of international collaborations, where artists, through their craft, outreach and sensibility, extend a helping hand to communities in need by creating a platform for empathy in times of mediatic fatigue, providing a lens through which global audiences can connect with the struggles and triumphs of distant places. “Music has this power of communicating across borders. It can create an atmosphere where people are more emotionally open to understand and connect. As a musician, I have a responsibility to use my talent and platform in a meaningful way”.
🇺🇦🎵 #MementoOdesa #OdesaPhilharmonic #MusicProject #StayTuned"
CREDITS
video shot by: Olya Polyakova
video edit by Anastasiia Pokaz
music composed by Sebastian Studnitzky
piano played by Sebastian Studnitzky
Odesa Symphonic Orchestra under the baton of Volodymyr Dikiy
recorded by Sebastian Studnitzky
mixed and mastered by Wanja Hüffell
#StudnitzkyKY #XJAZZMusic #NeoClassical #Minimal #NewMusic #Studnitzky #ContemporaryClassical #PianoMusic #Odesa #Odessa #Ukraine #Memento #MementoOdesa #MinimalPiano #Jazz
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