On November 12th, 2022, Saskatoon UCC hosted a “United for Ukraine” benefit concert.
It was a spectacular collaboration of our members Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Choir and Orchestra, Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, and Zabutnyy Dance Company (Regina UCC member). The evening began with a tribute to Remembrance Day and to all the fallen soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for democracy in our world.
The opening number filled the stage with all the performers singing “Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow” (“Ой у лузі червона калина“), a Ukrainian patriotic song written in 1875. It was banned from singing in Ukraine from 1919-1991 and gained popularity in 2014 and international attention in February of this year, 2022.
The MCs, Lesia Sorokan-Normand and George Hupka, shared historical and cultural information about the performances, the ensembles, and each of the beneficiaries. Stream Of Hopes – Потічок Надій, Ukrainian Patriot, and Territorial Defence Forces of Ukraine all had booths in the foyer where the audience could learn more about each of them.
The evening was filled with beautiful voices of Lastiwka, traditional folk dances from Yevshan, mesmerizing weaving of dances from Zabutnyy, and the creative art of dance from Pavlychenko. A tribute to a fallen Saskatchewan soldier, Joseph Hildebrand, who volunteered to join Ukraine’s front line, was acknowledged that many are helping Ukraine to fight this war.
The show ended with a traditional kolomyika performed by all the dancers. Ukraine’s national anthem, “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” -(“Ще не вмерла Українa”), was an emotional end to this beautiful evening.
Saskatoon UCC would like to thank everyone who supported this event: our sponsors, City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, and all who purchased tickets. Through the generous support of our sponsors, we could share this fantastic event with many new Ukrainians who have arrived in Saskatoon with tickets. Our 50/50 raised $1,600, and the lucky winner was Alana Erin Kewley.
Here are a few photos from last night’s event. More photos can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uccsaskatoon/posts/pfbid02j3vtnThLA1u4KRVkFC2wWFqXwCzKKK8HaJoC1yt56yRAv4Hi4cmUhueWmX5TBmx9l. Photo credit Karen Pidskalny Photography Please enjoy!
Professional photographs and videos were taken from the event and are available for donation. You can purchase a video of the concert here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzfyLvELf2aH44lnCoGm0pWKqGJuscJK3r3lnQQxJ3qaLOWw/viewform
Slava Ukraini! Слава Україні!
Glory to the Heroes! Героям слава!
