The year 2019 will be marked by cultural exchange between neighbors: between Ukraine and Austria. In keeping with Ö1's multi-year focus on "Next Door" and supported by the governments of both countries, the cultural and scientific dialogue between Austria and Ukraine is to be intensified this year. Neighbors and Europeans meet, deepen their acquaintance, inspire each other - and in this way cultivate the preservation of a united and peaceful Europe.

And they listen to music together! The Ukrainian Institute, from which the planning of this theme year originates, has initiated a concert for May 29, 2019 at the RadioKulturhaus, which was created together with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna and will be conducted by the British conductor Duncan Ward. The program includes works by Ukrainian and Austrian composers from three eras. The "Unfinished" - Schubert's Seventh Symphony - marks the transition from the Classical to the Romantic period and underscores the importance of the symphony as a central musical genre in the new era as well. Particularly exciting, at least for the Austrian audience, should be the Third Symphony by Borys Lyatoshynsky, written shortly after the Second World War. Lyatoshynsky is one of the founding fathers of modern Ukrainian music, and his works have only been causing a stir internationally in recent years through several CD releases. Finally, "Movimenti," the delicate, dreamlike violin concerto by Austrian composer Gerd Kühr, will be performed by Ukrainian violin soloist Andrii Pavlov, who is praised for his performances of contemporary music.

The Ukrainian Institute is a newly established institution that promotes Ukrainian culture worldwide and strengthens cultural relations between Ukraine and other countries.

© Christoph Becher