Born in Hlukhiv — then the capital of the Cossack Hetmanate, an autonomous Cossack state in Eastern Europe — the son of a Cossack captain, Dmytro Bortniansky studied under the renowned Italian composer Baldassare Galuppi, receiving the finest European musical training and making his debut as a composer with the opera Creonte. After its brilliant premiere in 1776 at the Teatro San Benedetto and its first season in Venice, the opera’s score vanished for 250 years. Eventually, the manuscript ended up in the Ajuda Library in Lisbon, part of its archives with origins in the royal court. In 2023, Ukrainian musicologist Olga Shumilina rediscovered it and brought a copy of the manuscript back to Ukraine — an astonishing find that caused a sensation among scholars and music lovers alike. Recognizing its significance, both in musical style and in the libretto that reflects antiauthoritarian and democratic values, the project organizers understood that it was impossible to present the work to the world as a mere photocopy of the manuscript. They therefore undertook a full digitalization of the score, revealing to the world the masterpiece of one of the “Golden Three” composers of the Baroque-Classical transition.
This is not just a story about music. It is a restoration of the cultural memory of the Ukrainian people and a return of Ukraine to the map of European operatic tradition.
In November 2024, Kyiv hosted the world premiere of Creonte, a masterpiece that had been silent for 250 years. Under the direction of Herman Makarenko — UNESCO Artist for Peace — the work was performed by the National Presidential Orchestra and the National Honored Academic Choir of Ukraine Dumka. The lead roles were performed by Serhiy Bortnyk (Creonte), Honored Artist of Ukraine Olha Fomichova (Antigone), Danylo Kotok (Emon), Stanislav Pashchuk (Adrast), and Marharyta Bilokiz (Ismene). A highlight of the premiere was the harpsichord part, reconstructed and performed for the first time by Dr. Olha Shadrina-Lychak, Head of the Department of Early Music at the National Music Academy of Ukraine.
"The premiere of Creonte is more than just a musical event; it is a bridge across centuries, connecting us to our past and allowing us to better understand ourselves. By reclaiming our cultural heritage, we restore hope and strength for our people and for future generations," said Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, in his welcoming address.
The revival of "Creonte" did not go unnoticed. Both Ukrainian and international publications covered its rediscovery and premiere.
"The cultural heritage of Dmytro Bortnyansky’s first opera, Creonte, thought to be lost for over 250 years, has been returned to the world through an extraordinary initiative supported by UNESCO."
— UNESCO
Thank You for Your Support
We are sincerely grateful to everyone who took part in this project. Thanks to you, lost masterpieces come alive once again
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CREONTive Europe
Beyond its musical brilliance, Creonte carries Ukraine’s voice in Europe, speaking to freedom, justice, and the courage to resist tyranny — themes that remain profoundly relevant today.
CREONTive Europe is the next step of our project, bringing Bortniansky’s rediscovered opera Creonte to audiences across Europe. The project explores diverse formats, from full productions to concerts, conferences, and other public events, and includes a CD release to share the music more widely.
Creonte Has Returned
To Live Forever
Rediscovered in a distant archive and brought back from oblivion, it now resonates in Kyiv and is preparing for a world tour. Its music has become a symbol of revival and proof that culture is stronger than time, war, and forgetfulness.
We invite you to join this journey: listen, share, support, and help Creonte find new life on stages around the world.
Be part of a cultural story unfolding today.
