Ukraine's culture is its soul, says pianist Taras Shevchenko on Seoul tour

Ukrainian pianist Taras Shevchenko believes that while land can be destroyed and rebuilt, the erasure of a nation's culture leads to its complete demise. He is currently on a global tour, performing not only music but also presenting Ukrainian art and historical context to audiences worldwide.

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Land can be destroyed and rebuilt, but if culture is erased, an entire nation is destroyed.

Shevchenko, who previously held academic positions in Ukraine, left his post after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, he has performed over 100 concerts across various continents, dedicating 80% of his preparation time to selecting and explaining visual art, traditional instruments, and cultural history. He aims to immerse audiences in the cultural context of Ukrainian music, making it more relatable than a standalone performance.

His efforts extend to finding connections between Ukrainian and local cultures. During his recent visit to Seoul, he explored Korean traditional instruments like the gayageum, noting similarities with Ukraine's bandura. This approach helps bridge cultural gaps and highlights shared human experiences. "We are not just representing Ukrainian tradition, but connecting our cultures and showing how much we resemble each other," Shevchenko stated.

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We are not just representing Ukrainian tradition, but connecting our cultures and showing how much we resemble each other.

He underscores the deep connection between culture and national history, particularly for Ukraine, which endured centuries of Russian rule. This history shaped oral traditions in music and folklore, preserving memory when other forms of expression were suppressed. The ongoing war has intensified the urgency to protect Ukrainian culture, as Russian forces reportedly suppress the Ukrainian language and traditional attire in occupied territories.

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This war is also a cultural war against attempts to destroy Ukrainian culture.

Shevchenko shared harrowing accounts of cultural appropriation, such as Russia attempting to rebrand Ukrainian national hero Taras Shevchenko as Russian. He described the destruction of Mariupol's historic theater and the subsequent erection of screens displaying Russian artists. "This war is also a cultural war against attempts to destroy Ukrainian culture," he asserted. Despite the grim reality, Shevchenko remains hopeful, noting that concerts continue in Kyiv even amidst air raids and that opera performances in Odesa are sold out, demonstrating art's role in fostering courage and unity.

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If I publicly express my love for Ukrainian culture in occupied territory, and wear traditional clothing like now, I have to be prepared to go to prison. This is considered loyalty to Ukraine.