Valentina Lisitsa tells her story - 20230505 - Pangea Grandangolo

The Nugget

Valentina Lisitsa's journey captures the essence of resilience and cultural identity, as she transitions from a life in Ukraine to becoming a celebrated pianist in the U.S. Her story highlights the profound disconnects between perception and reality in conflict, and the enduring power of music as a unifying force.

Make it stick

🎹 Valentina began playing piano at just three years old, showcasing her prodigious talent early on.
🌍 After winning a piano competition in the U.S., she became a symbol of hope for independent Ukraine, representing artistic excellence on a global stage.
❗ Lisitsa faced backlash for her political views, illustrating how art can polarize and provoke when intertwined with national identity and conflict.
🎶 Through her music, she aims to heal and bring together communities divided by war, reinforcing the idea that culture transcends borders.

Valentina was born in Kiev and experienced a supportive environment for classical music.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, she moved to the U.S. along with her future husband, marking a dramatic shift in her life.
The lack of opportunity for classical musicians in Ukraine led many, including Lisitsa, to seek prospects in the West.

Lisitsa discusses her excitement upon arriving in the U.S., describing it as the "American dream."
She felt a disconnect from the cultural turmoil in Ukraine post-independence, expressing a perspective of superiority over those who stayed.
The Odessa Massacre in 2014 deeply affected her outlook on her homeland and sparked a desire to reconnect.

In response to conflict, she performed in Donetsk in 2015 to foster understanding and counteract dehumanization of affected populations.
Her concerts aimed to show humanity in war-affected areas, emphasizing that the people there deserved compassion and recognition.
Lisitsa continues to play at important commemorative events, illustrating her commitment to peace and healing through music.

She addresses the manipulation of media narratives surrounding the Ukrainian conflict, pointing out the contrasts between televised information and lived experiences.
Lisitsa emphasizes the importance of free speech and the need for diverse perspectives in understanding complex situations like the Ukraine conflict.
Through her journey, she articulates a vision for unity among nations and the collective human experience beyond political divides.

"I was blessed to receive the top absolutely top quality education in special music school for exceptionally gifted children."
"Music is our Universal Heritage... it’s a universal language."
"If you’re together, you will never be breakable; if you separate, they will destroy you one by one."
"Art can polarize and provoke when intertwined with national identity and conflict."
"There is nobody closer than your own family, and you stick together through differences."

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.