Darja Leleko, a Ukrainian bandurist, shares her poignant journey since moving to Latvia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Though she dreams of returning home, the tragic loss of her husband, who has been fighting for Ukraine since day one of the war, weighs heavily on her heart. Despite the pain, Darja expresses a strong resolve to remain resilient for the sake of her children, demonstrating the deep emotional struggles faced by many who have been uprooted from their homes by conflict.

During her time in Latvia, Darja has found solace and purpose in her musical profession, engaging actively in her craft while continuously generating new ideas. She has developed a program that encompasses both Ukrainian and Latvian lullabies, supported by the State Cultural Capital Fund. This initiative not only promotes cultural ties but also serves as a creative outlet for her grief and ambition, allowing her to channel her experiences into something positive that resonates with both her heritage and her adopted country.

Darja's aspirations extend beyond performances; she aims to compile her lullabies into a book that will feature artworks by Ukrainian artist Mariya Zhenkova. This project will include sheet music and QR codes linking to audio recordings, merging traditional music with modern technology. Through her work, Darja embodies the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit while fostering understanding and collaboration between Latvia and Ukraine, reminding her audience of the cultural depth that transcends borders, even amid adversity.