Concert violinist Vera Lytochenko has captured hearts around the world sharing videos of her performing in a bomb shelter.
The Ukrainian musician, residing in the city of Kharkiv, was forced to take shelter two weeks ago as Russian military attacks besieged the city. Lytochenko, joined by her father and neighbours, sought refuge in the basement of their building.
In an effort to raise the spirits of those around her, Lytochenko began holding small concerts where she played the violin.
“I was trying to make them think about something and not about the war for some minutes while I’m playing,” said the 39-year-old musician in an interview with Associated Press.
After posting on social media, videos of her performances quickly when viral, reaching over 40,000 views across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
“I didn’t expect that because I was posting just to reach my friends, my relatives. My aunt is near Kyiv and I’m afraid for her,” said Lytochenko.
“Many people text me now saying that my videos give them such support and hope. They can see that someone stays here [in Kharkiv]. Someone is alive and someone keeps hope and is optimistic.”
After recieving many messages of support, she started a fund to help musicians and teachers of Kharviv.
“Some of them lost their flats, many of them don’t have job now, lost their instruments, we’re having to leave Kharkiv and be like refugees without money and the place to sleep,” she wrote on social media.
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