Alina Pohribna is a musician from Kharkiv who now lives near Zurich. She plays the cello and piano professionally, takes part in international competitions, and studies at a specialized school where music holds nearly as much importance as traditional subjects. Her journey is a story about how music shapes not only professionalism but also personality.
A Day That Begins with Scales
Alina is used to starting every day with music. If there are no classes, she begins practicing at 9 a.m.: scales, etudes, and then work on pieces or concert programs. It’s a discipline she brought with her from Kharkiv — now an inseparable part of her life in Switzerland.
“Music is not only about creativity. It’s mathematics, logic, and structure. You train your muscles, develop rhythm and precision. And once everything is mastered, freedom comes — that’s when you can share emotions with your audience,” Alina explains.
From Kharkiv to Zurich
Music has accompanied Alina since childhood. She won her first competition at the age of seven in Kryvyi Rih. Since then, participating in contests has become a normal part of her life. In Ukraine, Switzerland, Belgium — on different stages she learned not only to play but also to hold the audience’s attention.
“Recently, I took part in a creative competition organized by the Ukrainian-Swiss association Vidnova. It was another valuable experience for me because not only musicians but also other creative Ukrainian children competed there,” says Alina.
In Switzerland, Alina attended the specialized “Kunst und Sport Schule” in Stäfa, where students are given more time to develop their artistic abilities. There she could combine her academic studies with rehearsals — something that became a true source of support.
Music as Prayer
For Alina, music is more than a profession. She sees playing as a conversation with God.
“When I play, I offer it to Him. It’s my prayer — the language my soul speaks when words are not enough. In every melody, I rediscover myself: my joys, my wounds, my dreams. When I touch the instrument, time stops. There’s only the sound and the heartbeat that moves in unison with it. Music heals me, gives me strength, and takes away everything unnecessary.
For me, it’s a prayer in which I can be my true self. It’s my path — to people and to God. And no matter how many roads there are in this world, I know mine will always sound like music,” she shares.
Among her favorite composers are David Popper and the Ukrainian classic Borys Lyatoshynsky. Recently, she has started studying works by contemporary Ukrainian composer Zoltan Almashi.
Music and Growth
Music helped Alina integrate quickly into her new environment. Thanks to her perfect pitch, she easily mastered the German language and now speaks it without an accent. “Music develops the brain. It’s like a key to other kinds of knowledge,” she explains.
Music has taught her discipline, planning, and systematic work — while also awakening her emotional side and teaching her to listen to herself and others. This combination of logic and creativity makes her path especially valuable.
New Stages Ahead
Alina has now entered the University of the Arts in Bern to pursue a bachelor’s degree in classical music. Her dream is to become a soloist and perform with orchestras on major stages.
“Or maybe a teacher — that’s my plan B,” she adds with a smile.
But the most important thing has already happened: music has shaped her character and worldview. It’s not just a profession, but a way of life and self-development. And it seems that this journey is only beginning.
🎬 Video from Alina Pohribna’s personal archive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p8880WFSKo&ab_channel=Cello
