The Ukrainian community is spread out around the world. However, like the ‘leleka’ or stork in Ukrainian folklore, we always return to our nests, and remember our culture and heritage. (Cobblestone Freeway)
Join the members of the Ukrainian Dnipro Ensemble of Edmonton, as we travel back to our motherland this August, as part of the celebrations commemorating our Choir’s 65th Anniversary. For some of us, this will be the FIRST time visiting the homeland of our ancestors, a beautiful, historic country on the crossroads between Central and Eastern Europe. We eagerly look forward to a fantastic tour, organized by Cobblestone Freeway, where we will have the opportunity to share a Canadian Ukrainian choir’s talent and repertoire with audiences in Ukraine.
We start with adjudicated performances in Lviv (Western Ukraine http://www.inlviv.info/tours/) at the International Ukrainian Dance & Culture Festival. Dnipro Choir will be appearing Saturday, August 11th between 4-6 pm on ‘Ploshcha Rynok’, and from 3-7 pm on Sunday, August 12th at the ‘Shevchenkivskyi Hai’ Ethno-Park Museum. On Monday, August 13th at 7pm the IUDCF Festival closes with a Gala Performance at the ‘Lviv State Palace of Aesthetic Education of Students and Youth’.
Over the next few days, we travel to the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, (http://www.inlviv.info/tours/carpathians/) where we will visit museums, take master classes in classic folk arts, go on various excursions visiting picturesque locations, and take part in a “Hutzul Vatra”, a traditional bonfire party, where we’ll socialize with other choirs and the locals. No celebrations in Ukraine happen without delicious meals and beverages!
On Aug. 17 & 18, we’ll be spending time in the capital of Bukovyna – magical Chernivtsi, the homeland for many Ukrainians who immigrated to Canada. (http://chernivtsiguide.com/service) DNIPRO will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with local choirs, AND stage our own concert.
Sunday, Aug. 19 brings us the Feast of the Transfiguration, honouring the three Persons of the Holy Trinity, also called ‘Spasa’. People bring baskets of fruit to the church to be blessed, and to give thanks for a prosperous harvest. Thereafter we travel to Zhytomyr where we will work with one of that city’s professional choirs. (https://www.triphobo.com/places/zhytomyr-ukraine/things-to-do)
Our Anniversary tour makes its way to Kyiv - a city that is more than 15 centuries old. (https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g294474-Kiev-Vacations.html) Having survived the Mongol Empire, WWII, the Chernobyl Disaster, and Soviet rule, Kyiv is the proud capital of Ukraine. The city is rich in unique architecture, historic locations and monuments, ancient religious sites and masterpieces of art on display at its numerous museums, art galleries and exhibitions.
On Wednesday, Aug. 22, we will participate in a workshop with the world famous Veryovka Nat’l Academic Choir (http://cobblestonefreeway.ca/sound-nation-veryovka-national-academic-choir/), a dream come true for any Ukrainian Singer. Following a few more excursions, workshops and performances, we’ll finish purchasing any last minute souvenirs, pack our suitcases and return home to Edmonton filled with lasting impressions and memories of the beauty of Ukraine and her people.
IT/Aug. 5, 2018
