Concert «Rock Hits and Soundtracks» by Naoni Orchestra in Kyiv

On a spring evening, April 19, 2026, on stage ICCA «October Palace» real witchcraft will happen - Concert «Rock Hits and Soundtracks» by Naoni Orchestra in Kyiv!

The National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine (NAONI), under the direction of People's Artist of Ukraine Viktor Gutsal, has long since transcended the boundaries of a narrow-genre ethnographic ensemble, evolving into a powerful cultural institution of world-class standing. The "Rock Hits and Soundtracks" program has become not merely a successful experiment, but a fundamental confirmation of the universality of Ukrainian instrumentation and the high professionalism of its performers.

Musical Synergy and Instrumental Palette

The primary value of this program lies in the unique combination of the authentic sound of over 40 types of folk instruments with the dynamics and drive of global rock culture. In place of the usual electric guitars, the leading roles are assumed by:

• Banduras and Kobzas: providing a rhythmic grid and harmonic richness that rivals guitar riffs in density.
• Cymbals: adding exceptional virtuosity and percussive brilliance to the compositions, creating a unique "metallic" flavor in rock ballads.
• Sopilkas, Nai, Svyryl, and Zozulia: acting as solo voices capable of conveying the subtlest nuances of the vocal parts of legendary performers.
• Trembitas: utilized as powerful brass accents that add epic scale to cinematic soundtracks.

This approach allows for a reinterpretation of classics, such as compositions by Queen, Deep Purple, Metallica, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC. Music that is typically perceived through the prism of aggressive amplification acquires new overtones - it becomes more voluminous, textured, and timbrally rich.

Soundtracks: From Cinematic Epic to Folk Resonance

A distinct layer of the program is dedicated to masterpieces of film music. Performances of soundtracks from movies such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Gladiator," "Mission: Impossible," or "Game of Thrones" demonstrate NAONI's ability to create large-scale sonic canvases.

Thanks to the use of specific folk instruments, familiar melodies by Hans Zimmer or Ennio Morricone gain new depth. The orchestra masterfully recreates the atmosphere of a Hollywood blockbuster while simultaneously infusing it with an unmistakable Ukrainian color, making the sound more intimate yet majestic.

Philosophical and Cultural Aspect

The "Rock Hits and Soundtracks" project fulfills an important educational mission:

1. Popularization of Folk Instruments: The focus on a modern repertoire attracts a younger audience, dismantling stereotypes regarding the "archaic" nature of folk music.
2. Cultural Diplomacy: A demonstration that the Ukrainian musical tradition is capable of integrating global trends while remaining inherently original.
3. Executive Excellence: The complexity of the arrangements demands impeccable technique from the musicians, as translating a rock score for an orchestra of folk instruments is a sophisticated analytical and creative task.

The NAONI program "Rock Hits and Soundtracks" - is not just an entertainment show, but a profound exploration of the possibilities of sound. It serves as proof that true music knows no borders in either time or space. Through the fusion of global rock classic drive and the deep energy of Ukrainian instruments, the orchestra creates a new musical space where tradition is not preserved in stasis, but lives, evolves, and triumphs.

Place: The International Center of Culture and Arts (October Palace),
Adress: Kyiv, Нeroyiv Nebesnoyi Sotnі Alley, 1