On March 29, 2025, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India, in collaboration with EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture, proudly presented the concert A Bridge for Peace & Compassion, hosted at the Auditorium Information Centre, Baha’i House of Worship (Lotus Temple). 

The serene and spiritually uplifting environment of the Lotus Temple provided the perfect setting for this event, allowing music to transcend boundaries and unite diverse artistic expressions from Ukraine, India, and beyond. 

A special tribute must be paid to Dr. Taras Filenko, a renowned Ukrainian-American pianist and ethnomusicologist, whose artistic direction was instrumental in shaping the concert. His deep knowledge of Ukrainian musical traditions provided the foundation for the event, ensuring that the evening was not only a celebration of music but also a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of Ukraine. 

The concert’s repertoire featured compositions by some of Ukraine’s most esteemed composers, including Mykola Lysenko, Myroslav Skoryk, and Artemiy Hulak-Artemovsky, alongside traditional Ukrainian folk song arrangements. These selections underscored the richness of Ukraine’s musical legacy while seamlessly blending with Indian and global influences, reflecting the universal power of music as a bridge between cultures. 

The highlights of the evening: 

• The Ao Naga Choir, whose ethereal harmonies infused the performance with depth and emotion. 
• Singers from The Neemrana Music Foundation Sarthak Darapuri (baritone), Shambhavi Mishra (soprano), Sparsh Bajpai (soprano), blending operatic and traditional elements. 
• Indian musicians, including Solomon Bohat (tabla), Kabir Gupta (flute & sitar), Ramjee Mishra (vocal & harmonium), making it a unique and comprehensive cultural dialogue. 
• Swedish pianist Emma Tillu, whose masterful performance added a special classical touch. 
• Kathak dancer Nisha Kesari and Bharatanatyam choreographer Suparna Nayak, who transformed music into mesmerizing movement, creating a visual symphony that complemented the musical narrative. 
• A particularly moving moment of the evening was Sylvia Rajden Kumar’s powerful rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem. 

The Embassy of Ukraine in India extends its deepest gratitude to the co-organizers, artists, volunteers and all those who contributed to the success of A Bridge for Peace & Compassion. Our sincere appreciation goes to EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture for their invaluable support, as well as to the Baha’i House of Worship (Lotus Temple) for providing such a peaceful and inspiring venue for this musical journey.