I believe composers go through all seven circles of creative hell in the process of writing music for one true reason — so that their "musical child" may bring joy and satisfaction to listeners, make them reflect, and awaken a desire to feel, to empathize, and to live through each musical moment with their heart.

It is an immense joy to receive such heartfelt feedback from performers — especially when they are young musicians, students just beginning their musical journey. I’m infinitely grateful to the student ensemble South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras — Michiana's premiere youth orchestra experience for the young people of the seven-county Michiana region — and their Music Director and Conductor Robert W. Boardman, for their incredibly deep interpretation of my orchestral piece “Go Where the Wind Takes You”, inspired by the poetry of Olena Stepanenko.

I’d love to share with you this message from Maestro Robert:

Dear Iryna,

I'm happy to share that your beautiful piece "Go Where the Wind Takes You" was performed recently and was deeply meaningful to both the performers and our audience. You can watch the performance at the following link.

Many of our students told me afterward that performing your piece was a musical highlight of their entire year. The emotional depth and lyricism of your writing resonated deeply with them.

That experience affirmed for me that audiences here are warmly supportive of the Ukrainian people and of your work as a composer.

It was truly an honor to share your music, and I would be delighted to continue programming more of it in future seasons. Please don’t hesitate to share anything new you’ve written — I’d love to stay connected and continue supporting your artistic voice.

With admiration and warm wishes,

Robert W. Boardman

Music Director, SBYSO

Iryna Aleksiychuk "Go Where the Wind Takes You..." for symphony orchestra (after reading a poem by Olena Stepanenko) Commissioned by "Classical Movements" for the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship, as part of the Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program.

South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras, Michiana's premiere youth orchestra experience for the young people of the seven county Michiana region. Conductor & Music Director - Robert W. Boardman.

November 10, 2024, Howard Performing Arts Center Andrews University (USA).

You can watch the video of this performance at the following link — I’d be truly happy to share it with you all.

https://youtu.be/2FVqkCC111w