In the words of music critic Lucie Scheuer, writing for Ashland News:

Anima Mundi Productions, a sublime music and performance-art gift to Ashland since its inception in 2014, just wrapped up another year of invigorating new works by visiting artists and composers, including resident composer Ethan Gans-Morse, evocative and expressive poetry by Tiziana DellaRovere and performances focused on raising awareness of populations that are currently in crisis.

The final weekend in October was dedicated to the people of Ukraine. Although the seeds of inspiration for the weekend performances were rooted in grief, what has grown out of this remarkable assemblage of music and free verse, are works that highlight the struggle and anguish Ukrainians are experiencing, along with their determination to survive.

On Oct. 25, a cultural fair was held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Wonderful Ukrainian baked goods (rolls, cakes, cookies) and borscht were served. Colorful Ukrainian dresses with intricate needlework were on display and handmade items were for sale. The evening’s activities were sponsored by Uniting for Ukraine, Rogue Valley (now serving over 29 families here from Ukraine), the sister city Ashland-Sviatohirsk Aid Project and Anima Mundi Productions. A short preview concert that Friday night offered a glimpse of the phenomenal piano recital featuring Grammy-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko that was to come Oct. 27 at the SOU Music Recital Hall.