📍 The Hague | December 2023 |
The church was glowing with candlelight. On that crisp December evening in 2023, we — the Ukrainian vocal ensemble Ruta — stood together for our very first performance. Hands trembling slightly, hearts full. And then we sang.
Hosted in the beautiful Deutsche Evangelische Kirche in The Hague, our debut concert was more than music — it was a celebration of home, hope, and harmony. Together with guest violinist Alla Koewe, we brought to life the spirit of Ukrainian kolyadky and shchedrivky, blending traditional carols with melodies that transcend borders.
Under the direction of Olga Demchenko, we performed a festive and emotional programme that reflected both our cultural heritage and our hope for peace and light during challenging times. We closed the concert with traditional holiday wishes, and invited all guests to join us for coffee, tea, and sweets. The atmosphere was warm and festive — a beautiful start to what we hope will become a lasting tradition.
This evening meant a lot to us. It marked not only our debut as an ensemble, but also a moment of connection between cultures, voices, and hearts. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and supported us on this special night.
One guest said afterward: “I didn’t know the words, but I understood everything.”
We ended the evening sharing sweets, laughter, and warm wishes. For us, it was a moment of joy — of cultural pride and connection, far from home but not alone.
This concert was only the beginning. We could not wait to sing for you again.
