Music has always had an important place in Kostenko’s art. From spending much time in the orchestra pit of the now Mariinsky theatre in the 1970s and 1980s to being a frequent visitor to classical music rehearsals at the Leningrad Philharmonic, Kostenko has painted musicians, orchestras and music itself for over four decades now. In 1970s Kostenko painted a number of well-known musicians. Legendary conductors Yuri Temirkanov and Alexander Kantorov became her favourite models at the time. Apart from their obvious facial likeness, Kostenko is able to capture through the depiction of the conductor’s hands his unique and recognisable style. This period culminated in a large masterpiece “The Orchestra”, now at the Rostov Regional Fine Arts Museum in Rostov-on-Don.

In mid 1980s Kostenko painted Maurice Murphy, the Principle Trumpet at the LSO – this marked a new beginning in her musical series. Little known then Valery Gergiev used to come to Kostenko’s studio and over the years a number of portraits of the now grand maestro came to life. Trios, quartets, soloists – all have a firm place in Kostenko’s art.

And it is not only the classical music that inspires the artist. Jazz bands feature prominently throughout her work and the strong lines set the rhythm of a particular piece that the artist depicts.