Introduction
On September 10 at 18:00, the National Opera of Ukraine at Volodymyrska, 50 will present "Elegy of Wartime" — a ballet performance set to the music of Valentin Silvestrov with added rural music from the 1930s. This is a rare occasion where an evening at the theater promises not just beautiful movement but a poignant conversation about the time we live in, making it suitable for those who love contemporary, emotionally honest performances without unnecessary decorativeness.
According to the poster, the performance will last until 19:45, which means it has a convenient format for an evening without a late return home. If you appreciate ballets where not only technique matters but also mood, imagery, and inner silence, this event may hit very close to home.
About the Event
"Elegy of Wartime" is listed in the National Opera's program as a one-act ballet based on four postludes for piano and string orchestra by Valentin Silvestrov. The official description also notes that the musical fabric is complemented by rural music from the 1930s, creating a striking contrast between modern intimacy and historical memory.
The premiere performances at the National Opera of Ukraine took place on June 22 and 23, 2024. This means that at the September showing, you will see not a festival novelty, but a performance that has already entered the repertoire and gained a stage form.
Plot and Mood
This is not a ballet that relies on a straightforward plot with a light storyline. Here, emotional dramaturgy is at play: Silvestrov's music, movement, and imagery come together in a conversation about loss, memory, and the fragility of human life.
According to the event description, the production is a reflection on the tragic events of the full-scale invasion, but it presents this theme not in a journalistic but in an artistic light. That is why what matters here are not the "events" in the literal sense, but the inner movement of the performance — from tension to quiet, almost prayer-like moments. If you seek not a loud show but an attentive, deep experience, this evening may suit you very well.
Production
The director of the performance is Olexiy Ratmansky, a distinguished artist of Ukraine. This alone is a strong sign: his works are usually recognized for their musical precision, pure choreographic logic, and ability to speak about complex themes without unnecessary declarative statements.
Conducting is Serhiy Holubnychy, and the set design was created by Wendall K. Harrington. The costumes were designed by Moritz Junge, and the stage design features works by Matviy Weissberg and Maria Prymachenko — adding not just decorativeness but cultural depth and visual memory to the performance. Among the performers listed on the page are Olha Holytsia, Tetiana Lyozova, Anastasiia Shevchenko, Oleksandra Panchenko, Yan Vanya, Mykyta Sukhorukov, Yaroslav Tkachuk, Volodymyr Kutuzov, and Yevhen Lohvynenko.
How to Get There, Duration, and Intermissions
The National Opera of Ukraine is located at Volodymyrska St, 50, Kyiv, 01030. It is easiest to navigate from the city center: this is a location that is convenient to reach by both public transport and taxi, and the theater is well-known to almost every Kyiv resident.
According to the poster, the show starts at 18:00 and ends at 19:45. There is no separate information about intermissions on the event page, so it is better to assume that the evening format is compact and without long pauses. For guests, this is convenient: you can plan a meeting before the performance or a calm late evening route afterward.
Prices and Audience
The official event page does not contain ticket prices, but sales are conducted through the theater's ticket module. For similar performances in a large national theater, prices usually depend on the row, sector, and proximity to the stage, so the range can vary from affordable seats to more expensive central ones.
This is a good choice for those who love contemporary ballet, chamber musical drama, and performances with emotional subtext. It is suitable for a date if both of you want not just a light background but a truly meaningful evening; for a family outing — rather with teenagers or adult children who are ready for a more serious stage. However, if you expect only "beautiful poses" from ballet without inner tension, this may not be your format.
Audience Tips
For such an evening, it is better to arrive early to pass into the hall without haste and have time to tune in for the performance. The National Opera itself adds to the mood: the foyer, stairs, interiors, and the feeling of a grand theater contribute to the experience as much as the stage does.
The dress code here is not formal, but the theater still asks for a neat, composed appearance, so it is better to choose something understated and comfortable. If there is an intermission or a free minute before the start, it is worth using it for a short walk in the foyer or a glass of water, so as not to be distracted from the performance itself.
Do you prefer such an intimate, serious evening at the theater with a deep aftertaste or something lighter and more festive?
