A carillon recital in Kyiv expresses a shared belief in a just peace

By holding a carillon recital at a unique location in Kyiv, our embassy offered moral support to the Ukrainian people in their unwavering struggle to preserve their sovereignty and cultural identity. A cultural experience as a testament to resilience.

The carillon is omnipresent in our region. This musical instrument, which is played using a keyboard of wooden batons and pedals and consisting of a series of bells hung in a tower, actually has its origins in the Low Countries. The earliest mention of a carillon dates back to 1510 in Oudenaarde.

Royal Carillon School of Mechelen

Outside our region – Belgium, the Netherlands, and the French Low Countries – the carillon is virtually non-existent, but that does not mean that playing bells is totally absent there. For example, Orthodox churches in Ukraine have a separate bell tower, though the range of bells is limited.

But now, people in Ukraine are becoming interested in expanding the range of bells in various locations in order to develop a fully-fledged carillon. For instance, Iryna Ryabchun from Ukraine graduated from the world-renowned Royal Carillon School of Mechelen. On returning to her country, she became a true ambassador for the carillon culture of our regions. To that end, she trains carillonneurs and is a candidate for the position of city carillonneur in the capital, Kyiv.

For now, Ryabchun plays a mobile carillon, designed in Ukraine by two engineer brothers, though the long-term goal is to install carillons in towers. A strong candidate is the iconic Saint Michael’s Monastery in Kyiv, which was completely rebuilt after independence and houses a full carillon – though it is in poor condition. However, the high costs of restoration and of new bells are currently dampening enthusiasm.

The iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral

In any case, the Ukrainian interest in carillons and the link to our country inspired our embassy in Kyiv to come up with a very original way to celebrate our national holiday. The carillon player Ryabchun, who graduated in Belgium, was to give a recital in a square next to the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in the Ukrainian capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site, threatened by war, dates back to the 11th century and symbolised the sovereign Kyivan State or Kyivan Rus. It served as its spiritual, political-diplomatic, and cultural centre.

Today, we can look back on an exceptionally successful event. Our embassy had the pleasure of welcoming over 300 guests, including many Ukrainians, such as the newly appointed Minister of Energy, Svitlana Grynchuk, who holds Belgium in high regard and addressed the audience. Also present were the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko; the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets; members of parliament; a senior representative of the presidential administration and of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; a host of deputy ministers; and the Ukrainian folk rock legend Oleg Skrypka.

Belgian companies

The diplomatic corps was also strongly represented. Many of those present were ambassadors or chargés d’affaires, accompanied by their diplomatic staff. Many heads of international organisations, such as UN agencies and the OSCE, were also in attendance.

And of course, Belgians turned up for their national holiday. Even today, quite a few Belgians live and work in the war-torn country, including at international organisations. In addition, many Belgian companies remain active in the country and were more than willing to sponsor the event. They sent staff members or business contacts to attend the recital.

Finally, we should mention the wide range of guests from civil society – the ‘fourth estate’ in Ukraine – and the cultural sector, who contributed to a lively and enthusiastic gathering.

Air raid alert

The carillon player performed pieces by Belgian and Ukrainian composers, along with several national and European anthems. As a finale, she played the popular musical tribute My Kyiv – accompanied by a vocal soloist – marking an absolute world premiere in that arrangement. The carillon sounds impressed and stirred emotions. For many, the carillon was a true revelation.

After the recital, guests enjoyed a reception in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Chips and beer simply had to be included. And there was plenty of opportunity to network.

By holding the carillon recital at an iconic location, we succeeded in offering moral support to the Ukrainian people during these exceptionally difficult times. It was a tribute to their cultural identity and their sovereignty, which they are now defending at all costs against relentless Russian aggression. For, especially in times of war, culture stands as an indomitable act of resilience. With the melodious carillon sounds that floated above the capital, we expressed our shared belief in justice and peace.

The reality of war inevitably made itself felt during the event. The applause for the carillon recital had barely died down when an air raid alert sounded. In the end, the threat turned out not to affect Kyiv itself. The guests reacted stoically, as is customary here. A second air raid alert at around 9:30 p.m. signalled the moment to head home.