DeutschIncense of Music 66/ Artem Yasynskyy
A multisensory concert – Friday, 12th September 2025, 8 pm
Artem Yasynskyy, piano
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): grapefruit and dammar
Program:
Works by John Cage, Valentin Silvestrov, Alexander Scriabin, Maurice Ravel
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Panda platforma is proud to present a unique concert experience that transcends the traditional recital. On September, 12th, acclaimed pianist Artem Yasynskyy will take the audience on an immersive journey through the works of John Cage, Valentyn Silvestrov, Maurice Ravel, and Alexander Scriabin. This is more than just a concert; it is an exploration of synesthesia, where senses merge and influence one another. As Yasynskyy navigates the atmospheric soundscapes of Silvestrov and the mystical harmonies of Scriabin—a composer famously obsessed with the relationship between color and sound—the air will be filled with the bright, uplifting scent of grapefruit incense. The sharp, citrusy aroma is chosen to provide a vibrant counterpoint to the impressionistic colors of Ravel and a moment of clarity within the conceptual spaces of Cage. This carefully curated sensory pairing invites the listener to experience the music in a completely new dimension. Join us for an unforgettable evening in the intimate setting of Panda platforma, where music is not only heard, but felt and smelled.
Artem Yasynskyy was born in 1988 in Donetsk, Ukraine. He gave his first concert at the age of eight. He graduated with honors in piano from the Prokofiev State Music College in Donetsk, during which time he achieved numerous competition successes. Since 2010, he has been residing in Bremen, where he completed both a postgraduate and a master ‘ s program at the University of the Arts Bremen. Starting from 2015, Artem has been teaching piano as a lecturer at the University of the Arts Bremen. In the summer of 2021, Artem won the 2nd Prize and five additional awards at the Sydney International Piano Competition. He is also the recipient of the Gold Medal at the Cincinnati World Piano Competition in Ohio, USA. He has received awards in prestigious international piano competitions such as the Gina Bachauer Piano Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Sendai International Music Competition in Japan, the Gian Battista Viotti International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy, and the Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kyiv, Ukraine, among others. He has performed with orchestras including the Utah Symphony in Salt Lake City, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Ukraine, the Kharkiv Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kyiv National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Carlo Coccia Symphony Orchestra, the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra and others. In 2016, Artem performed a solo recital at the New York Carnegie Hall.
The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its large, sour to semi-sweet fruit. It is an evergreen hybrid, originating as an accidental cross between a pomelo and a sweet orange. The tree produces glossy, dark green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. The fruit’s peel, which ranges from yellow to reddish-pink, is rich in essential oils, and it is from this peel that its characteristic fragrance is captured. The scent of grapefruit is vibrant, zesty, and unmistakably citrusy. It combines a sharp, tangy sweetness with a slightly bitter, green undertone from the peel. This complex profile creates a very fresh, clean, and powerfully energizing aroma that is instantly recognizable and mood-lifting. When used as incense, grapefruit is powerfully uplifting and clarifying. It is excellent for purifying the atmosphere, dispelling heavy or stagnant energy, and sharpening the mind. Its bright, crisp scent helps to combat mental fatigue, boost concentration, and inspire a cheerful, optimistic outlook, making it ideal for work, creative sessions, or to start the day with focus and positivity.
Dammar is a unique resin that comes from a variety of trees, primarily from the Dipterocarpaceae family, found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. It is valued both for its botanical origins and the clear, uplifting scent it produces when burned as incense. Dammar as a Plant: A Source of Clear Resin Dammar resin is collected from several species of trees, most notably those in the genera Shorea, Hopea, and Canarium. The Dammar Tree: These are typically large, tropical rainforest trees that can grow to impressive heights. They have straight trunks and broad canopies. The resin itself is a natural exudation from the bark, often appearing as solidified, pale yellowish to clear “tears” or lumps on the tree’s surface. Resin Formation and Collection: The trees produce dammar resin as a protective response to injury or to seal wounds. The resin is collected by tapping the trees or by gathering the solidified lumps that have naturally fallen to the ground. Unlike some other resins that darken with age, high-quality dammar remains relatively light in color, sometimes almost translucent, hence its name, which can be derived from a Malay word meaning “light” or “torch.” Traditional Uses: Beyond incense, dammar resin has historically been used in varnishes, lacquers, and as a stabilizer in food products. Its clarity and protective qualities made it popular in art conservation and for sealing wooden objects. Dammar as an Incense: A Zesty, Sunny Fragrance When dammar resin is burned as incense, it releases a distinct and highly appealing aroma that is often described as bright and uplifting. Aromatic Profile: The scent of dammar incense is typically: Bright and Citrusy: Often described with notes of lemon, lime, or other fresh, zesty citrus fruits. Sweet and Balsamic: A warm, slightly vanilla-like sweetness that complements the citrus notes, without being cloying. Lightly Woody/Resinous: A subtle, clean resinous undertone that reminds one of fresh sap or bright wood, rather than deep, aged wood. Uplifting/Clean: The overall impression is one of freshness, clarity, and an invigorating, joyful quality. It’s generally considered a “lighter” resin scent compared to frankincense or myrrh. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Cleansing and Invigoration: Dammar is frequently used for space clearing, believed to purify the atmosphere and invite positive energy. Its bright scent is thought to uplift the mood and clear the mind. Creativity and Inspiration: Its stimulating yet calming properties make it a favorite for fostering creativity, focus, and inspiration, often used during artistic endeavors or meditation. Joy and Optimism: Due to its cheerful aroma, dammar is often burned to promote feelings of joy, optimism, and lightness of spirit. Blends: Dammar blends exceptionally well with other resins (like frankincense) and woody incenses, adding a bright top note to more complex mixtures. Forms of Incense: Dammar is almost exclusively used as: Raw Resin: The most common form, small lumps or “tears” that are burned directly on a charcoal disc. Powder: Ground resin, which can be used in loose incense blends. In essence, dammar, from its light-colored resin to its vibrant aroma, embodies clarity and positivity. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an uplifting and refreshing incense experience that invigorates the senses and brightens the spirit.
