Pianist Andrejs Osokins, the author of the music camp idea, explains that since the beginning of the war, music has become the sole source of hope and strength for many Ukrainian children: “They continue to play their instruments in bomb shelters, in the cold, without electricity, amidst the sounds of exploding bombs and flying drones—sounds that no one, especially a child, should ever have to hear. Their dreams of becoming musicians are threatened not only by the physical conditions - the threat of attack and the constant struggle for survival - but also by despair and uncertainty about the future. In such circumstances, dedicating time to music can seem insignificant or even superfluous. That is precisely why it is so crucial to support them now - to give them the opportunity to develop, grow, and dream of a beautiful future, so that they can continue on their chosen path and one day stand on the world's great stages as professional musicians.”

The camp welcomed 20 students aged 12 to 16, studying piano, violin, saxophone, flute, trombone, trumpet, and other instruments at eight music schools in the Chernihiv region. Due to Russia's military invasion, they, along with countless other children in Ukraine, have been denied the opportunity for a comprehensive musical education. Joining the students in Latvia were three music teachers from Ukraine – Hanna Tupikova, Larysa Vakhomchyk, and Yuliia Klymenko – who learned about the music education process and the work of teachers in Latvia during the masterclasses.

Ludmila Zamaya, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Nationalities and Religions Department of Chernihiv Regional State Administration, emphasizes the importance of such camps: “Today, the children of Ukraine face severe psychological challenges caused by the war - the constant threat of shelling, fear for their lives, loss, forced displacement, and continuous stress are their daily companions. In these conditions, the opportunity to attend a music camp in Latvia can become a vital source of emotional support and help children regain their psychological balance. Being in a safe environment, communicating with peers from other countries, and engaging in the creative process helps reduce anxiety, allows children to feel part of a global community, and gives them hope for a peaceful future. The significance of such camps is also immense because they combine artistic development with a humanitarian mission – helping to preserve childhood even in the most difficult of times, while also opening new horizons for professional growth.”

The masterclasses took place at the Pāvuls Jurjāns Riga Music School and were taught by outstanding and experienced teachers and concertmasters from Latvia's top music schools: Ivars Bezprozvanovs, Artūrs Hrustaļovs, Olga Isakova, Sandra Jalaņecka, Kārlis Jēkabsons, Ilze Kaspare, Madara Kalniņa, Mārtiņš Kalniņš, Iveta Pinkule, Ieva Pudāne, Rūdolfs Pēteris Rubenis, Liene Denisjuka-Straupe, Osvalds Šneiders, and Anete Veldre.

In addition to the masterclasses, the camp participants attended concerts, took part in creative workshops with ceramicist Agnese Staģe and painter Kristīne Kutepova, went on various excursions, and participated in other activities. These events helped to alleviate the children's emotional stress and improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At several concerts, the students had the chance to hear performances by Latvian musicians as well as their peers from Latvian music schools. A special festive concert was held on April 9th at the “Ola Foundation” cultural space, where the music camp students met with participants from the Children's Hospital Foundation's psycho-emotional rehabilitation camp - 24 patients from the “Okhmatdyt” Children's Hospital in Ukraine. The concert featured performances for the children by pianist Andrejs Osokins, mezzo-soprano Ieva Parša, kokle player Ieva Kalniņa, and more. The music camp concluded with a final concert where the students themselves performed, showcasing the skills they had acquired during the masterclasses and gaining valuable stage experience.

The Pāvuls Jurjāns Riga Music School made a significant contribution to the camp's implementation. Its director, Viesturs Mežgailis, shares: “In music, we can perfectly find the common ground that unites us and enrich one another. We truly hope that, even for a moment, we became an island of peace and safety for these children. We hope that during this time of madness, which continues in Ukraine, we were able to provide support and inspiration, allowing them to feel safe again and to remember what it's like to simply be aspiring musicians and children. I believe we succeeded in giving them hope and faith that their musical dreams are still possible.”

At the end of the camp, Memoranda of Cooperation were signed between the Pāvuls Jurjāns Riga Music School, the Osokins Foundation, and the L. M. Revutsky Chernihiv Professional College of Music's art school. The aim of these agreements is to promote student mobility, exchange of experience, and professional development for educators, as well as to foster collaboration between Latvian and Ukrainian musicians in the fields of education, masterclasses, concerts, and other cultural events, thereby strengthening the cultural ties between Ukraine and Latvia.

The camp was organized thanks to the “Aid to Ukrainian Refugees in Latvia” initiative implemented by Ziedot.lv within the framework of the EEA and Norway Grants “Fund for Bilateral Relations 2018-2025” with the involvement of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.