This story was reported and written by KNOM reporter Ava White.

Roman Rudnytsky, a prizewinning concert pianist from Ukraine, played lived and taught a masterclass June 14 at the Mini Convention Center.

Rudnytsky is known for having played in more than 100 countries, alongside orchestras, receiving a Julliard School education and teaching at universities worldwide. He said his favorite aspect of music is bringing to life music that composers wrote hundreds of years ago.

He explained his love for music, saying it is: “Simply, you know, to bring to life some of the great master works that various composers over the centuries have written. Unless a performer plays something, it’s nothing but chicken scratch on a piece of paper, any piece of music. Music is one of those great arts that unites people.”

Rudnytsky said inspiration from his music comes from the pure enjoyment of playing piano. He
explains that music is a way to connect people despite having nothing in common. Rudnytsky
said that music has the power to change lives.

“This is something which I enjoy doing, bringing the joy and the pleasure of classical music to my audiences, giving them that period of meaning, of elevation, of enrichment.”

Having traveled the world through his music, this is Rudnytsky’s first time teaching in Nome.
During his time teaching at Youngstown State University in Ohio, Rudnytsky had the opportunity to change the way his students viewed classical music while teaching Music Appreciation.

Rudnytsky said that there are many takeaways when it comes to classical music, but experiences differ based on the listener. He recommends those interested in a music career reach out to local music teachers and do homework on their instrument.

“If you want to study, to start taking lessons, you have to work with good teachers,” he said.

Following his masterclass, Rudnytsky held a concert sponsored by the Nome Arts Council. He is the first pianist to perform a concert in Nome since the pandemic.

Image at top: Maestro pianist Roman Rudnytsky conducts a master class at the Mini Convention Center. Photo by Ava White/KNOM