40 Years Since the Chornobyl Disaster: Silence and Music that Speaks
40 Years Since the Chornobyl Disaster: Silence and Music that Speaks
On April 24, 2026, a commemorative evening marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy took place at the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
This tragic date in Ukraine’s history was honored with a charity concert of classical music performed by the Kyiv Classic Orchestra under the direction of Herman Makarenko.
On April 24, 2026, a commemorative evening marking the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy took place at the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
This tragic date in Ukraine’s history was honored with a charity concert of classical music performed by the Kyiv Classic Orchestra under the direction of Herman Makarenko.
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“For our orchestra, the memory of Chornobyl is not only a part of history, it is our responsibility. This day is about an inner silence in which music is born, music capable of expressing what words cannot”, says Herman Makarenko. “It is music that helps us live through pain and transform it into light. Today, when the world once again lives in tension, when the safety of nuclear facilities has become an urgent and real concern, music sounds as a call for reason, for caution, for peace”.
The concert became a kind of artistic reflection on the events of 40 years ago. It honored the heroism of those who were the first to confront the invisible danger, commemorated the innocent victims, and expressed gratitude to partner countries, Japan, Sweden, and the United States, through performances of music from those nations.
The event was held in partnership with and with the support of the American foundation “The Humanity Funds”, led by Silke and Craig Johnstone.
The event was held in partnership with and with the support of the American foundation “The Humanity Funds”, led by Silke and Craig Johnstone.