In March 2023, Gail Archer, professor of professional practice, published a new article in Organists Review, titled “Ukrainian Organ Literature: A Brief Survey.” Drawing on her past travels to Ukraine as a concert organist, Archer praises the country’s rich musical traditions and brilliant contemporary organists and composers, providing a brief overview of both. Like Eastern Europe as a whole, Ukraine holds a special appreciation for classical music, and Archer explains how this is reflected in both the inclusion of organs in many chamber music halls throughout the country and in the sheer talent of the Ukrainian musicians she has encountered.
Archer expresses deep admiration and gratitude for her Ukrainian colleagues, many of whom sent her scores that she went on to use in future recordings. She highlights the work of composer Bohdan Kotyuk, and of the talented female organists with whom she has had the opportunity to work, such as Veronika Struck, Elena Udras, and Olenka Matseliukh. She calls their contributions “fine examples of the intellectual rigor and unique creativity of the Ukrainian people.”