Photo/Illutration Nataliya Stepanyak, left a soprano singer, and Petro Radeyko, a baritone singer, both invited from Ukraine, rehearse in Mitaka, western Tokyo, on Nov. 13. (Amane Shimazaki)

The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military invasion had silenced opera in Ukraine, but its enchanting notes are now set to resonate in the hall of a university in Mitaka, western Tokyo.

The International Christian University (ICU) will stage the chamber opera “The Little Mermaid” on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, and they have brought opera singers from Ukraine to perform it.

Nataliya Stepanyak, 32, a soprano singer, and Petro Radeyko, 39, a baritone singer, will both be on stage. 

 Stepanyak's dream to perform in her home country someday will be partially realized in Mitaka thanks to Japanese opera creators who were moved by her strong love for music as she faces adversity.

Shoichiro Iwakiri, 64, who is a poet and ICU president, wrote the script for “The Little Mermaid,” originally written by Hans Christian Andersen. Yasuhiro Kasamatsu, 63, a composer, wrote the music.

“I think it’s important that we can understand each other through art during this difficult time,” Kasamatsu said. “I also would like to make the opera performance a reality in Ukraine someday.”

The two were university peers and have produced several works together.

UNWAVERING DETERMINATION

Their production of “The Little Mermaid” was first performed in Japanese in 2011, followed by its English version in Vienna in 2019, where Stepanyak played the leading role.

Stepanyak, who performs in Vienna and other places, loved their work and said she wanted to perform it in her hometown of Lviv in western Ukraine at the time.

However, the opera was canceled in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus. After the pandemic, plans to resume the performances were disrupted in 2022 due to Russia’s military invasion.

Kasamatsu said he lost contact with Stepanyak after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Incredibly worried for her safety, he received a message from her via social media at the end of last year stating: “I still want to stage (the opera) in Lviv. Please wait for me.”

Kasamatsu was struck by her determination to perform in Lviv even during wartime.

The story of her determination was published in a newspaper, and Iwakiri saw the article.

Following Russia’s invasion, ICU has been accepting students from Ukraine and providing them with housing and living expenses.

“Can’t we respond to her wishes by inviting Stepanyak to Japan for a performance?” Iwakiri said.

He decided to invite Stepanyak and Radeyko, who is also from Lviv, to come to Japan.

DIFFICULT TIMES CALL FOR ART

“This is a special opportunity, and I’m grateful to be able to stage this production in Japan,” Stepanyak said. “I want to convey the spirit of Ukraine through my performance.”

Proceeds from the production will be used to pay the study expenses of five students from Ukraine.

“I hope we can share the power of the arts by connecting people who find solace in art,” Iwakiri said.

“The Little Mermaid” will be staged at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 in English, with translations provided.

Naoko Yoshino, one of Japan's leading harpists, who graduated from ICU, will also perform.

Tickets are priced at 4,000 yen ($26.45) for adults and 2,000 yen for students.

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