M³ Podcast Ep #1: Prayer for Ukraine: Preserving Culture Through Music with Vivere String Quartet

Vivere String Quartet on "Prayer for Ukraine", featuring Ukranian composers telling stories of the country, from Zoltan Almashi’s “Maria’s City (Mariupol)” on the vibrant city devastated by Russian forces in 2022, to “Expressions” by Hannah Havrylets, who died in the 3rd day of the invasion. EPISODE SUMMARY Host Sarah Cahill speaks with violinists Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko of the Vivere String Quartet, with Phenotypic Recordings' Creative Director, pianist Stephen Prutsman. They discuss the origins and development of the quartet's album "Prayer for Ukraine," the challenges of recording during the ongoing conflict, and the significance of preserving Ukrainian culture through music. The conversation covers the work of three Ukrainian composers featured on the album, the recording process at Skywalker Sound, and the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the quartet. During the production of this album, members of the Ukrainian creative team worked with unwavering dedication even while undergoing displacement, bombings, and separation from family members. Their efforts exemplify the enduring commitment of the Ukrainian people to preserve their homeland and culture undeterred by any adversity. VIVERE STRING QUARTET The Vivere String Quartet is an internationally acclaimed Ukrainian ensemble that brings to the world the music of contemporary Ukrainian composers as well as masterworks of the classical chamber music tradition and everything in between. Founded in 2010 by students of the Lviv National Music Academy, the Vivere String Quartet quickly rose to national prominence, winning numerous awards and accolades including grand prize at the All-Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble and Quartet Competition (Lviv, 2013) and first prize at the V. Povzun All-Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble Competition (Odesa, 2014). Vivere has performed in Ukraine at the Lviv National Philharmony, the historic Mirror Hall in the Lviv National Opera, and the prestigious “Virtuosos 40” Music Festival of 2021. Internationally they have performed throughout North America and Europe. "We dedicate this album to all of the defenders of Ukraine who have been fighting tirelessly for our freedom to live peacefully and to do what we love." ALBUM: PRAYER FOR UKRAINE “Prayer for Ukraine” embodies a profound tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people, conveyed through the evocative and heartbreakingly poignant compositions of esteemed Ukrainian composers, as brilliantly interpreted by the renowned Vivere String Quartet. This musical odyssey delves into the intricate tapestry of Ukraine's history, capturing the essence of its people, their triumphs, their sorrows, and the harrowing destruction wrought by the Russia-Ukraine war which started in 2014 and led to the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The album includes Zoltan Almashi’s “Maria’s City (Mariupol)” honoring, the vibrant city that was devastated by a 3-month siege by Russian forces in 2022; two works by Hannah Havrylets who died from lack of medical care on the third day of the invasion; and Vasily Barvinsky's “String Quartet” showcasing exuberant Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms, a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian ethos. "Prayer for Ukraine" stands as a testament to the strength of all Ukrainians. Through this music, we see the fortitude of a nation, the unshakable commitment of its artists to the beauty of their culture, and the undying flame of hope for freedom. Album Credits: Performed by Vivere String Quartet ~ Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello Recorded in 2023 at Skywalker Sound, a Lucasfilm LTD company, Marin County, CA Producers: Lesley Robertson, Stephen Prutsman Recording Engineer: Leslie Ann Jones Assistant Engineer: Robert Gatley Editing: Leslie Ann Jones, Robert Gatley. Mastering: Michael Romanowski Phenoypic Recordings will donate all proceeds from the album to relief efforts in Ukraine. LISTEN | BUY https://viverestringquartet.bandcamp.... --- M³ - MUSICAL MINDS & MISSIONS PODCAST Podcast: Sarah Cahill Podcast Producer: AJ Machado K. E. Sekararum, Podcast Executive Producer PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS Michael Hostetler, Founder & CEO Stephen Prutsman, Creative Director Cristin Canterbury Bagnall for BroadBand Collaborative, Fractional COO Mary Paz Cubero Navarro, Director of Product Development & Strategic Partnerships K. E. Sekararum, Project Coordinator Aryahi Naomi Onaga, Operations Specialist Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. phenotypicrecordings.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MUSIC DISCOVERY NEWSLETTER https://www.phenotypicrecordings.com/... © 2026 Phenotypic Recordings All Rights Reserved