Maria
Prymachenko
Suite
KATERYNA KRAVCHENKO & Arthur Clees w/ Large Ensemble
This suite draws inspiration from the paintings of the brilliant Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko, whose life epitomized resilience and creative passion. Despite residing in a village where her genius often went unrecognized, Maria Prymachenko never ceased to paint, creating art not for fame but for the sheer joy of creation—a quality increasingly rare in today's world.
In February 2022, tragedy struck when Maria Prymachenko's museum in the Kyiv Oblast was hit by a missile, leading to fears that her works were lost in the blaze. Yet amidst the chaos, the villagers rallied, risking their lives to rescue her paintings and shelter them from harm during the occupation.
On March 24, thirteen musicians from four different countries came together to premiere and record the suite at a charity concert for Ukraine in Dresden. In an effort to raise more donations for SaveUkraine—an organization dedicated to bringing deported Ukrainian children home—all the musicians waived their fees.
This suite serves as a reminder that every day the Russians attempt to destroy Ukraine. However, it also stands as a testament to something greater, something indestructible. They cannot take away our joy of life, nor can they erase our memories or suppress our desire for freedom. Together, we grow stronger, and together, we can strive to make the world a better place.
Released on May 1, 2024
Kateryna Kravchenko - composition, arrangement, voice
Arthur Clees - arrangement, vibraphone
Conducted by Tetiana Nikiforova
Hendrik Marin - alto saxophone
Edgar Neumann - bass clarinete
Berthold Brauer - trumpet
Lorenz Gloeckner - guitar
Kevin Knoedler - double bass
Samuel Dietze - drums
Zuzanna Wiszowaty - violin
Susanne Gruettner - violin
Eduard Poharetski - viola
Johann von Ruthendorf - violoncello
mixing & mastering by Arthur Clees
cover artwork by Linnea Hilden