I met a man named Alexey… The Story Behind Odesa Classics in Ottawa

In the spring of 2025, I was attending the European Festivals Association conference in Edinburgh when I met Ukrainian master pianist Alexey Botvinov.

Alexey Botvinov. Source.

Like so many conversations at networking gatherings, it started with a simple introduction. We were sipping Prosecco surrounded by stunning works at the National Galleries exchanging bits and pieces of our stories. Where we’re from, what we do…I was immediately drawn to Alexey’s warmth and sincerity. And his passion for not only his music but his passion for life.

I discovered that Alexey is the founder of Odesa Classics, one of Ukraine's premier international music festivals. He shared how the war had forced him to leave the country he loves to keep his family safe. Now living in exile in Switzerland, his festival—built over years from that very passion for community and purpose—could no longer take place in the place it was created for.

As he spoke about what it was like, trying to preserve not only a festival but a piece of his country's cultural identity, all while trying to keep his family safe, I could feel myself welling up. I had been tracking the war on Ukraine and prayed for peace but it felt far away from my everyday life. But now, there in front of me, the war had a face. And a family. My heart broke. I can’t even imagine being forced to leave Canada to find safety. To be torn from everything I love, my community, my roots, my own passion projects. It moved me deeply. All I had to offer was a long hug holding back tears. It felt woefully inadequate.

Alexey then shared with me that while in exile, he was keeping his festival alive by partnering with host countries around the world…Switzerland, Estonia, Greece, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Lithuania had all heard the call and welcomed Alexey and his featured Ukrainian artists…I felt a shiver run through me…the universe was starting to conspire…would Canada be open to this? Could we bring Odesa to Ottawa?

When I returned to Ottawa, I reached out to the Artistic Director of Ottawa Chamberfest, Carissa Klopoushak. We set a coffee date - it would be the first time we had met. The minute I sat down, I knew I was with my people...it was instant non stop chatting and I told her about Alexey. Turns out Carissa is Ukrainian - of course she is - and loved the idea of bringing Odesa Classics to Ottawa as a feature during Chamberfest. And she made it happen.

And now here we are…on July 25th, world-class Ukrainian and Canadian artists — including pianist Alexey Botvinov, the Gryphon Trio, and violinist Carissa Klopoushak — will perform an all-Ukrainian program at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, including the North American premiere of a new work by composer Valentyn Silvestrov. The evening will close with a tribute performed by displaced Ukrainian musicians now living in the Outaouais region — Canadians by circumstance, Ukrainians by heart.

We often talk about festivals as drivers of tourism, economic development and vibrant cities. All of that is true. But I believe their greatest contribution is something much more human.

They give us a place to tell our stories and create connection. Festivals have an incredible way of turning conversations into collaborations, strangers into friends, and difficult stories into shared experiences that bring us closer together.

Odesa Classics at Ottawa Chamberfest is the cultural expression of that deeper connection. Of the bond between festival communities. And it is a testament to the power of festival to bring out the best in humanity.

I'm incredibly proud that one of our members is helping make this possible.

Because in the end, festivals are not about the numbers.

They're about people.

Community.

And the stories we carry.

They remind us that no matter where we come from, human connection will always be our greatest common ground.

So this is your invitation to be part of something special and give Alexey the best Ottawa welcome to our beautiful city.

To simply say, we are here. You are not alone. And we stand with you.

See you at a festival.

– Tara

Tara Shannon

Executive Director

Ottawa Festival Network