The Ukrainian ensemble Orpheus sings for freedom at the opening of the Montfaucon Music Festival

It is a vocal ensemble made up of eight men who sing a capella, standing up, dressed in a simple black T-shirt. Their voices are deep and powerful. It is the group Orpheus which has always interpreted orthodox religious songs, popular songs, melodious songs of the world that the public loves. From their passionate song springs a spiritual spark that illuminates souls. But recently, the repertoire of this Ukrainian vocal ensemble has expanded with very old songs, which today, in these times of struggle, take on their full meaning. “There is also patriotic music that we have already sung a very long time ago, but there is a new meaning to these songs that were composed a century ago, but are still relevant unfortunately”, explains Lyubomyr Konchakivskyy of the Orpheus Vocal Ensemble. Within the group, there is also Andry. The baritone who knew the front sings today for freedom.

Orpheus was created in the early 2000s. They studied at the same music academy and sang in different choirs. One day, with friends in Lviv, the city of the Lion, they decided to form their own group. Since then, they have taken a part of Ukraine with them wherever they go. Their presence in Besançon is an event, because it is not easy to organize a tour in these times of war. They have obtained exceptional authorization from the Ukrainian government to open the 18th Besançon-Montfaucon Festival for the first time.

A visit to Besançon before their tour of Switzerland

They gave two concerts of traditional music and Ukrainian sacred music. One in the hall of the Museum of Fine Arts in Besançon and another in the Basilica of Saint-Ferjeux. “It’s so generous, it’s so beautiful what they gave us in these three musical moments, that’s the essence of the festival. With music, we can change people“, exclaims Arthur Schoonderwoerd, the Director of the Besançon-Monfaucon festival. The first part of this festival, which again this year presents a great diversity of artistic proposals, takes place until May 29. to August 27. The group Orpheus is continuing its tour throughout Switzerland with around fifteen dates.

XVIIIth Festival of Besançon/Montfaucon soaring in music from May 26 to 29 and from August 24 to 27.