Ukrainian conductor: "Music is my weapon"

Conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson conducted the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in Warsaw on Tuesday night (Arts Broadcasts). In the BackstageClassical podcast, she talks about the current situation in her native country, the US under Donald Trump, and the opportunity for music.

Ukrainian-Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson sees music as a powerful tool to defend Ukrainian culture and identity:

“We are fighting for Ukraine on the cultural front. I consider the baton my weapon, and this weapon is used to inspire my beloved musicians, whom I call soldiers of music,” says Wilson. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra was established to counter Russian propaganda aimed at silencing Ukrainian culture, soul and language: “This orchestra is a way to express exactly what Putin is trying to kill: Ukrainian culture.”

Wilson emphasizes music’s ability to promote understanding of humanity and expose propaganda. She points out that music can be misused, as in the case of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, which was used both by the Nazis and as a European anthem, but the message of joy and freedom in this work can now be used to inspire and encourage people.

In the BackstageClassical podcast, Wilson talks about the importance of classical music and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra concert in Warsaw. For Wilson, music is a means of resistance and inspiration.

Souce of the article here.