Hanna Rabenko (UA)
“At 5:40 AM on 24 February 2022, I left my home in Kyiv with my bandura and tuning key as missiles flew overhead. A full-scale invasion had begun. After a week-long journey, I arrived in Berlin, where my daughter lived and volunteered. Together, we attended rallies for Ukraine, and I gave short performances, including one at Brandenburg Gate — small acts to stand against injustice and share the beauty of Ukrainian music.
I was born in Chornobyl, Kyiv region, in 1962. After graduating from Gliyer’s Musical Institute and Chaikovskyi Music Academy, I taught music in Kyiv, performed with the teachers’ ensemble Quintonika, and supported students’ artistic growth. Today, it brings me immense joy to perform and share the melodic beauty of the Ukrainian bandura. I hope you enjoy it.”