Memento Odesa combines classical elements, contemporary jazz and deep emotional expression into a unique soundscape, where improvisation and orchestral depth weave together into a layered whole.

Sebastian Studnitzky began working with the Odesa Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Volodymyr Dykyi, in the summer of 2023. With the help of Ukrainian singer and cultural manager Anastasiia Pokaz, the group improvised a joint recording session at the Odesa Philharmonic, a musical tribute to Ukraine's resilience during the ongoing war.

In March 2024, the orchestra travelled to Germany for the first time to play a tour of 11 concerts. Since then, Studnitzky has performed with the orchestra and band at renowned venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the Glocke in Bremen, the Staatstheater Wiesbaden and many more. The proceeds of the project have gone to humanitarian aid projects in Ukraine. Together with the orchestra and band, he has already made two albums, and the press has widely praised both.

Using his platform as a musician in a meaningful way matters to Sebastian Studnitzky. He is regarded as one of the most versatile musicians in Germany, and he is the only artist to have won both the ECHO Jazz and the Opus Klassik, which shows his exceptional artistic range and his mastery of many instruments across genres. As founder of the XJAZZ! Festival, Studnitzky builds bridges between genres and cultures and creates platforms for innovative musical collaboration.

Sebastian Studnitzky: trumpet, piano, composition

Odesa Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Volodymyr Dykyi

Anastasiia Pokaz: vocals

Paul Kleber: double bass

Bodek Janke: drums and percussion

photos by: Serhii Kostyria