Language of Music Conveys Important Truths About Ukraine in Wartime

As Ukraine continues its existential struggle against Russian aggression, many of its professional musicians have taken up arms – not with weapons, but with instruments. Among the most vibrant and masterful of these cultural ambassadors is the Kyiv Tango Orchestra, a quartet whose artistry and activism have earned them international acclaim.

Comprised of Nazarii Stets (double bass), Tetiana Pavlichuk-Tyshkevych (piano), Ihor Sayenko (bandoneon/button accordion), and Taras Vydysh (violin), the ensemble represents a fusion of musical excellence and civic commitment. All four are laureates of international competitions and have been active volunteers since the full-scale invasion began.

On Sept. 17, 2025, at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the Kyiv Tango Orchestra will present their new album, “Timeless,” which features Ukrainian songs in a fresh dialogue with Argentinian tango.

For “Timeless,” the musicians compiled the works they performed most often during the full-scale invasion, primarily at concerts abroad. It was during this period that the permanent lineup of the Kyiv Tango Orchestra was formed.

“The melodic essence of Ukrainian songs is a goldmine for creative exploration,” Stets says.

“Reworking them instrumentally is a powerful way to spark interest in music that many have never heard before. We embraced modern rhythmic structures and broke away from traditional forms to make the music feel fresh and compelling. Instrumental music can still be thrilling and contemporary – ‘Timeless’ has all the right ingredients,” he adds.

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Artistic director and pianist Pavlichuk-Tyshkevich describes how “these are the pieces that resonated most with and through us, so we wanted to record them for our own memory and as a part of history.”

Connecting with audiences across Europe

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Kyiv Tango Orchestra has performed over 200 charity concerts across Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, and Sweden. Their performances are more than musical events – they are platforms for dialogue.

At every concert, the musicians engage with their listeners. “During and after each performance, we talk a lot with the audience in English and German, which we are fluent in,” says Pavlichuk-Tyshkevych.

“We feel the need to share our emotions and convey important truths – factual information about our people’s resistance, and how, despite the war, life continues to thrive here. We show that Ukraine is not only a fully-fledged part of Europe but, even more so, it’s its beating heart. Our people are brave, talented, and capable of competing in any professional field,” the artistic director and pianist adds.

In 2022, the ensemble founded “Music Unites,” a charitable initiative supporting soldiers, hospitals, children, and the elderly.

“We have a unique historical chance to be heard,” says violinist Vydysh. “Art allows us to help both spiritually and materially. It’s a way to serve our society.”

The quarter of The album’s title, “Timeless,” reflects the musicians’ belief that this music transcends eras and trends. The Ukrainian section includes folk songs arranged in tango style – “Oi, Vershe, Myi Vershe,” “Letiv Ptashok Poned Vodu,” and “Oi, Chyi To Kin Stoyit” – as well as original compositions like Bohdan Reshetylov’s “Tango con Brio,” Volodymyr Konoshenko’s “Oi, Na Hori Dva Dubky,” Yaroslav Barnych’s legendary “Hutsulka Ksenia,” and Mykola Leontovych’s globally celebrated “Shchedryk.” Arrangements were crafted by Reshetylov, Andrii Rakhmanin, and Dmytro Taran.

Watch a stunning performance of “Oi, Chyi To Kin Stoyit” by Kyiv Tango Orchestra” – a highlight from “Timeless” that showcases the ensemble’s signature blend of Ukrainian soul and tango flair.

The global tango section features masterpieces such as: “Tango pour Claude” (Richard Galliano); “Allegro Tangabile,” “Fuga y Misterio,” “Ausencia,” “Escualo,” and “Libertango” (Astor Piazzolla); “Androgin” (Mario Leblanc); “Balkango” from Beltango’s repertoire

Explore more of their artistry in these videos:

KYIV TANGO ORCHESTRA – a glimpse into their dynamic stage presence and musical range

Composer and accordionist Sayenko reflects: “Everything truly Ukrainian happens here, at home. We don’t just react to the horrors – we live them firsthand. That authenticity is felt in the music of those who chose to stay and create in Ukraine. These emotions can’t be faked or imitated.”

With “Timeless,” the Kyiv Tango Orchestra once again affirms the greatness of Ukrainian culture, and its music in particular, which can, without exaggeration, make the whole world fall in love with it.