Roman Molochenko plays in the unique instrumental ensemble Rizol Quartet of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. The highlight is that the accordionists play specially made instruments with rare timbres: baritone, double bass, oboe, clarinet. This allows them to perform a variety of works, even those written for a symphony orchestra. 

The quartet has existed for over 80 years. It has seen two wars – the Second World War and russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The ensemble is named after its founder, Mykola Rizol, who is also known as the patriarch of the Ukrainian accordion. It was thanks to Rizol that this instrument became popular both among the masses and on the philharmonic stage. Roman Molochenko tells us how the current generation of musicians supports the cultural front.