The Witness is a music brainchild of the composer Svyatoslav Lunyov for the commemoration of one of the greatest tragedies of the Jewish people during the Second World War, the 75th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre.
Photo by Mykola Lazarenko
The performance symbolizes the wind that witnessed atrocious events 75 years ago. The sound of the wind epitomizes voices of souls perished in the Babyn Yar, while young singers and violinists echo the sorrow for the victims through their music.
Photo by Mykola Lazarenko
A delicate music, which is played on the verge of senses, permeates the performance akin to the tree that grows through ground and stone, and as the human DNA connects the myriad of cells.
Photo by Mykola Lazarenko
The music of everyday life is interrupted with a cacophony of the dark forces that pull the people out of their peaceful lives, eradicate and mutilate them in the same fashion as the tree is eradicated from the ground. However, after the horror of death, the main theme of the Witness shows the tree of life blossoming again, promising a better future to the next generations.
Photo by Mykola Lazarenko
Another part of the Witness is an art installation in the form of Shofar, an ancient Jewish music instrument made of ram’s horn.