Italian Trumpeter Paolo Fresu's Music Bridges Cultural Divide in Kyiv
Published on 4.18.25
The intersection of music and politics is a powerful tool for expression and solidarity. Italian trumpeter Paolo Fresu's performance in Kyiv, accompanied by an Italian quartet, was a poignant example of this. The concert began with a jazz interpretation of the Ukrainian national anthem, demonstrating the universal language of music as a means to bridge cultural divides.
This sentiment was echoed by violinist Peter Campbell-Kelly, who sent a letter and poem to the Institute of Cultural Studies at the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, expressing his support for the Ukrainian people amidst Russia's aggression. His musical contribution, a short film featuring his performance of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Passacaglia', served as a musical prayer for well-being and strength.
Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour is also known to have used music as a bridge between cultures through his collaborations with Western artists.