Born out of the war in Ukraine, Ukraine Suites confronts its immense human cost while honouring the courage, dignity and resilience of those living through it. Bringing together Morten Jessen’s two four-movement works for violin and piano, Kyiv Suite and Decency Suite, the album is both a powerful artistic response and an expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Jessen began Kyiv Suite shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, inspired by the determination of Kyiv’s defenders. His subsequent correspondence with Viktor Marynchak, a Ukrainian priest who conducted services in Kharkiv’s metro stations during the assault, deepened the work’s themes of strength and hope.

Ukrainian violinist Natalia Gordeyeva discovered the suite online and immediately recognized her own story in its music. Her contact with Jessen developed into a close artistic partnership, leading to benefit concerts and a ten-day tour of Ukraine.

Their encounters with soldiers, survivors and communities rebuilding in Kyiv, Irpin, Bucha and Lviv inspired Decency Suite: music shaped by trauma, defiance, beauty and hope. Together, these works affirm human decency and call upon the West to stand firmly beside Ukraine in its darkest hour.

Ukrainian violinist Natalia Gordeyeva made her recital debut at seven, appeared with Kyiv Camerata at ten and performed at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine at thirteen. A pupil of Habib Kayaleh in the Menuhin tradition, she has appeared at distinguished venues across Europe. Praised by Ida Haendel for her “respect for the score,” Gordeyeva combines technical brilliance with profound musical insight. Her collaboration with Morten Jessen reflects her deep commitment to Ukraine and the transformative power of music.

Morten Jessen is a Danish composer, multi-instrumentalist, organist and founder of the Nordic Church Ensemble. His distinctive music unites impressionistic colour, Nordic melancholy and the resonant acoustics of sacred spaces. His works have been presented at major venues and festivals in Denmark and abroad, including the Lviv & Kyiv National Philharmonic.
His European Solidarity March (2024) was premiered in Kyiv and Copenhagen and continues to be performed across Europe.