УКР A Ukrainian classical pianist Mariia Kompan studying in Basel, Switzerland organized a series of three charity concerts featuring an all-Ukrainian classical program, directing donations to Leleka Foundation to support Ukrainian frontline medics.
Timed around February 24, the concerts included two performances in Basel and one in Zurich, and showcased Ukrainian chamber music—bringing rarely performed works to new audiences while raising practical support for Ukraine.
The pianist assembled a small ensemble with fellow academy musicians—cellist Tadeusz Wawrowski and violinist Leon Marut—and used a common Swiss concert model: free admission with voluntary donations collected at the event. All proceeds ($2322) were dedicated to Leleka as humanitarian aid.
Organizers emphasized that the project was both cultural and civic: introducing international audiences to Ukrainian composers—many of whom were historically repressed—while reminding attendees that the war continues and support is still needed.
The project received sponsorship from Catapult, a Swiss organization supporting creative initiatives, and partnered with venues including Zurich’s Kulturhaus Helferei, known locally for hosting Ukraine-support events since 2022.
Mariia Kompan says she hopes to continue the effort as an annual Ukrainian chamber music festival, combining artistic discovery with sustained charitable impact for Ukraine and for Leleka’s work equipping medics who save lives under fire.
“We are grateful to Maria for such an incredible and necessary initiative and plan to use this donation to buy more tactical medical backpacks that field medics desperately need,” added Leleka’s President, Vadim Geshel.
Q: Mariia, what inspired you to organize these concerts?
A: I’m a classical pianist. I’m currently studying in Switzerland at the Basel music academy. I’m in my second year of my bachelor’s program. Ukrainian music is incredibly rich, but it’s still performed far too rarely—even in Ukraine. I wanted to play it, and I also wanted it to bring real help for Ukraine, not only cultural value. That’s why the idea of charity concerts came up.
We organized three charity concerts with a program made entirely of Ukrainian music. It wasn’t only solo piano—there was also chamber music: piano and cello, and a piano trio: cellist Tadeusz Wawrowski and violinist Leon Marut. They’re from Poland and supported the idea wholeheartedly.
Q: What was the audience like?
A: We invited many colleagues and students from the academy, but we also reached broader audiences in Basel and Zurich. There were Swiss attendees—often middle-aged or older—who care about culture and wanted to help Ukraine, and there were also Ukrainians for whom it felt like a connection to home. In Switzerland there’s a common format where entry is free, and the audience donates voluntarily.
Q: Why did you decide to send all donations to Leleka?
A: From the organizations I know, Leleka is the one I trust the most. Also, Switzerland is neutral, and humanitarian medical support is the most natural and widely accepted form of help here. Leleka fit perfectly.
Q: What’s next—will you do this again?
A: Yes. This was my first large Ukrainian project, and I’m very happy with the results. I would like to do it once a year—ideally as an annual festival of Ukrainian chamber music. People were genuinely surprised by how powerful the repertoire is and asked for sheet music, saying they want to hear more. That motivates me to continue.