Jean-Guihen Queyras, a renowned cellist born in Montreal, will soon travel to Kyiv to perform a concert with Camerata Kyiv, aiming to show his support for the Ukrainian people amid ongoing conflict. Queyras, who has gained international acclaim for his wide-ranging repertoire and recordings, will also visit wounded soldiers and children affected by the war.
On his website, Queyras shared his motivation: "Despite logistical complications, I felt an urgent need to express my solidarity in my own way with a nation that shows us incredible resilience in the face of adversity every day."
Queyras, who has been a professor at the Musikhochschule Freiburg since 2011 and has recorded with labels like Harmonia Mundi, emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine's cultural heritage.
"By playing in Kyiv, I wish to support and connect with the local Ukrainian music scene, celebrating the rich cultural heritage that Ukrainians continue to keep alive despite the daily threats," he stated.
His trip will also include visits to a rehabilitation center for soldiers and a clinic for children suffering from war trauma.
"I firmly believe that in times of conflict, artistic expression has its place, offering comfort and strength in its own way," he added.
Queyras hopes the concert will serve as a "message of hope and solidarity," strengthening the bonds that unite people across borders. He encouraged those who wish to support his initiative to consider donating to organizations working on the ground in Ukraine.