An Ox on the Roof 90: The Ox in Wartime #54
In this ninetieth edition of An Ox on the Roof, Thea Derks explores music by three female composers. The programme opens with Signs by Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets (1958–2022), who died just three days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, having been unable to receive medical help in time.
We also hear Penelope by Calliope Tsoupaki, inspired by the wife of Odysseus. Tsoupaki uses the distinctive sound of the qanun, an Arab zither, to reflect Penelope’s strength and complexity. Finally, French composer Armande de Polignac (1876–1962) takes centre stage. Once celebrated but later largely forgotten, she left behind a varied body of work. Her piano cycle Echappées reveals her fascination with Russian music.
Tip: The first edition of Een os op het dak is sold out in bookshops, but you can order a copy of the second edition via boekenbestellen.nl.
Playlist
1. Hanna Havrylets: Signs
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine; Natalia Stets (conductor).
Live recording, 25 April 2025, Kyiv.
2. Calliope Tsoupaki: Penelope
Ragazze Quartet; Katharine Dain (soprano); Osama Abdulrasol (qanun).
3. Armande de Polignac: Echappées
Bruno Belthoise (piano).
Compiled, sound engineering and presentation: Thea Derks
