Maria Kolesnikova Performed With A Symphony Orchestra In Austria

• 11.10.2026, 13:59

A former political prisoner called it a “quantum leap.”

After a hiatus of more than five years, Maria Kolesnikova performed as a soloist with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. In Graz, Austria, she took part in the world premiere of *Radiophobia*, a piece dedicated to Chernobyl.

“This is a real quantum leap for me! Just a year ago, I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to return to the stage as a soloist,” Kolesnikova wrote in Facebook after the concert.

The performance took place on October 9 at the ORF musikprotokoll festival. Kolesnikova played the flute and was joined on stage by Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Vitrenko, whom Maria calls her dear friend.

Radiophobia: a silent requiem for Chornobyl is a concerto for flute and soprano with orchestra by composer Lyavon Shvirs.

Maria has a special connection to the ORF musikprotokoll festival. When Maria was in prison, the organizers, together with the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, held events in her support. They placed her flute on stage—as a symbol of the musician’s absence. In 2024, Vitrenko dedicated a solo recital to her, and now they have taken the stage together.

“What a joy it is to return to my world of music, creativity, friendship, and freedom!” Maria wrote.

As a reminder, in January of this year, Maria Kolesnikova gave an interview to the publication Financial Times, in which called on European leaders to engage in dialogue with Lukashenko. Former political prisoner Natalya Dulina responded to Kolesnikova’s call for negotiations with the dictator.