Ukrainian pianist, musicologist, and cultural scholar Taras Filenko will visit Cape Town from 2 to 7 March as part of a cultural initiative aimed at strengthening artistic exchange and cultural dialogue between Ukraine and South Africa.

On Wednesday 4 March, Taras presents a musical journey of Ukrainian music alongside projections of Ukrainian art in the iconic St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town.

The concert opens with a prayer featuring the Cathedral’s magnificent organ before continuing on piano, and he will be joined by Violinist Elina Koytcheva for a performance of Melodie by M Storyk from the movie ‘The High Pass’.

Dr. Filenko is a concert pianist, ethnomusicologist, and researcher of Ukrainian musical heritage. His artistic and academic work focuses on the preservation and international presentation of Ukrainian music, as well as on comparative studies between Ukrainian and African musical traditions. He has performed, lectured, and taught across Europe, North America, and Asia, combining performance practice with historical and cultural research.

The audience can also expect a special collaborative performance symbolising the intersection of diplomacy and the arts, underscoring the role of cultural exchange in fostering international dialogue.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and is free of charge. Donations are welcome at the door which will go towards the Cathedral maintenance fund and ongoing fundraising to repatriate over 20,000 displaced Ukrainian children.

Dr Filenko will also be presenting concerts:
– Tuesday 3 March, 7pm at the NG Kerk Pinelands. Free entry.
– Friday 6 March, 7pm at Erin Hall, Rondebosch – Tickets from Quicket