Roman Melish is a soloist of the ancient music ensemble “Liatoshynskyi. Capella” and manager of the National House of Music.  Roman Melish’s voice is a countertenor, rare and special. In the European tradition, he is called the “voice of an angel”. For the Ukrainian stage, it adds uniqueness to the performance of ancient works that combine the spiritual and the secular.  Roman Melish is also a manager and moderator. He represents a new generation of Ukrainian artists who combine stage and management, creativity and cultural diplomacy.

His main mission today is to restore and rethink heritage. One of the key projects is the recording of Ukrainian kant from the 18th century. These are three-voice songs in a simple verse form: unaccompanied, but with deep emotion.  They may become a new trend for modern listeners: they are easy to perform, open to experimentation, and can be combined with baroque instruments or even electronics. It is this tradition that russia is trying to pass off as its own, although it is actually Ukrainian.

Kant can become a form of art therapy for veterans. Singing in several voices creates the effect of collective breathing, which helps to overcome trauma.

The cultural front is not just about “exporting” to the world. Kyiv has become a place of symbolic dialogue. The Kyiv Baroque Fest brings together the world’s leading performers.  Harpsichordist Jean Rondeau and singer Andreas Scholl come to the capital, which is living under missile attacks. They give concerts, masterclasses, and live blogs for their audiences in Europe. These visits are changing the perception of Ukraine. Foreign musicians are not only supporting Ukraine with their art, they are witnessing this war.