PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS DEBUT NEW PODCAST:
MUSICAL MINDS AND MISSIONS (M³)
SUMMARY
FIRST EPISODE LIVE TODAY:
PRAYER FOR UKRAINE: PRESERVING CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC WITH THE VIVERE STRING QUARTET
In this episode of the Phenotypic Recordings podcast, 'Music with a Mission,' host Sarah Cahill speaks with members of the Vivere String Quartet, Ana Bura and Dmytro Lysko, along with Phenotypic Recordings' Creative Director and Pianist, Stephen Prutsman. They discuss the origins and development of the quartet's album 'Prayer for Ukraine,' the challenges of recording during the ongoing conflict, and the significance of preserving Ukrainian culture through music. The conversation covers the work of three Ukrainian composers featured on the album, the recording process at Skywalker Sound with engineer Leslie Anne Jones, and the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the quartet. During the production of this album, members of the Ukrainian creative team worked with unwavering dedication even while undergoing displacement, bombings, and separation from family members. The musicians embarked on a perilous journey by bus through Ukraine to Poland in order to travel to and from the United States to record this album. Their efforts exemplify the enduring commitment of the Ukrainian people to preserve their homeland and culture undeterred by any adversity.
The album's proceeds are donated to support Ukrainian soldiers, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of this musical project.
ABOUT THE ALBUM
“Prayer for Ukraine” embodies a profound tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people, conveyed through the evocative and heartbreakingly poignant compositions of esteemed Ukrainian composers, as brilliantly interpreted by the renowned Vivere String Quartet. This musical odyssey delves into the intricate tapestry of Ukraine's history, capturing the essence of its people, their triumphs, their sorrows, and the harrowing destruction wrought by the Russia-Ukraine war which started in 2014 and led to the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The toll on Ukraine has been immeasurable, with tens of thousands losing their lives and millions displaced, sparking Europe's gravest refugee crisis since World War II.
Original compositions by Ukrainian composers, telling stories of Ukraine past and present, as masterfully recounted by a premiere Ukrainian string quartet. They include Zoltan Almashi’s “Maria’s City (Mariupol)”, telling the story of the vibrant city that was devastated by a 3-month siege by Russian forces in 2022, and two works by Hannah Havrylets who died from lack of medical care on the third day of the invasion. Also present is Vasily Barvinsky's “String Quartet”, which radiates with exuberant Ukrainian folk melodies and rhythms, infusing the music with a celebration of the indomitable spirit that defines the Ukrainian ethos.
"Prayer for Ukraine" stands as a beacon of courage and is a testament to the strength of all Ukrainians. Through this music, we see the fortitude of a nation, the unshakable commitment of its artists to the beauty of their culture, and the undying flame of hope for freedom. Phenotypic Recordings is honored to support these artists in sharing their message with the world, with all proceeds from the album dedicated to relief efforts in Ukraine."
ALBUM CREDITS
This album is dedicated to all of the defenders of Ukraine who have been fighting tirelessly for our freedom to live peacefully and to do what we love
Performed by Vivere String Quartet ~ Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello
Recorded in 2023 at Skywalker Sound, a Lucasfilm LTD company, Marin County, CA
Producers: Lesley Robertson, Stephen Prutsman
Recording Engineer: Leslie Ann Jones
Assistant Engineer: Robert Gatley
Editing: Leslie Ann Jones, Robert Gatley.
Mastering: Michael Romanowski
Project Assistant: Aryahi Onaga
Podcast: Sarah Cahill
Podcast Producer: AJ Machado
FOR PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS
Michael Hostetler, Founder & CEO
Stephen Prutsman, Creative Director
Cristin Canterbury Bagnall for BroadBand Collaborative, Fractional COO
Mary Paz Cubero Navarro, Director of Product Development and Strategic Partnerships
K. E. Sekararum, Podcast Executive Producer
Aryahi Naomi Onaga, Operations Specialist
For more information about Phenotypic Recordings, visit phenotypicrecordings.com
© 2026 Phenotypic Recordings All Rights Reserved
THE ARTISTS
The Vivere String Quartet:
The Vivere String Quartet (Anna Bura and Dmytro Lysko, violins; Ustym Zhuk, viola; Dmytro Nikolayev, cello) is an internationally acclaimed Ukrainian ensemble that brings to the world the music of contemporary Ukrainian composers as well as masterworks of the classical chamber music tradition and everything in between. Founded in 2010 by students of the Lviv National Music Academy, the Vivere String Quartet quickly rose to national prominence, winning numerous awards and accolades including grand prize at the All-Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble and Quartet Competition (Lviv, 2013) and first prize at the V. Povzun All-Ukrainian Chamber Ensemble Competition (Odesa, 2014). Their exquisitely lyrical style paints stories, whether of love, loss, darkness, light, war or peace, with a broad palette ranging from heart-rending poignancy to explosive tension to transcendent calm. Vivere has performed in Ukraine at the Lviv National Philharmony, the historic Mirror Hall in the Lviv National Opera, and the prestigious “Virtuosos 40” Music Festival of 2021. Internationally they have performed throughout North America and Europe. The Vivere String Quartet has recorded Ukrainian composer Ivan Karabyts’ String Quartet with Golka Records and Brahms Quintet with Dzhmil Records. Prayer for Ukraine with Phenotypic Recordings showcases stories from Ukraine by Ukrainian composers.
ABOUT PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS
Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. Artists include Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, Kenji Bunch, (MoVE) MoVE (Modern Violin Ensemble), W4RP and more. As another way of amplifying artistic voices, Phenotypic Recordings donates revenue from streaming and downloads to support humanitarian causes identified by the artists making the music.
For more information, please contact
Krista Williams, Christopher Emond or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.
