📍 Rijswijk | January 2024 |
This was the first time our vocal ensemle Ruta had the honour of participating in Velyka Kolyada. This Christmas concert, held in the beautiful church of Rijswijk and organized by the vocal group Koralі, brought together a diverse array of ensembles to celebrate the festive season through music.
The evening was a tapestry of voices, featuring performances in Ukrainian, English, and Dutch. The majestic acoustics of the church amplified the harmonies, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and grand.
A particularly moving moment was when all the choirs united to sing “Prayer for Ukraine” by Mykola Lysenko. Standing together, voices intertwined, we felt a profound sense of unity and shared purpose.
We were especially touched to learn about the Dutch choirs that have been preserving and promoting Ukrainian music for decades:
- Het Lysenko Koor: Comprising Dutch singers, this choir has been performing Ukrainian liturgical music for over 40 years, showcasing a deep commitment to our musical heritage.
- Het Utrechts Byzantijns Koor: Founded in 1951 by Ukrainian conductor Myroslav Antonovych, this ensemble has been dedicated to performing Ukrainian spiritual and folk music, bridging cultures through song.
As a newly formed ensemble, Ruta is inspired by these longstanding traditions. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the rich tapestry of Ukrainian music in the Netherlands and look forward to future collaborations with these esteemed groups.
A heartfelt thank you to Koralі for organizing such a meaningful event and for welcoming us into this vibrant community. Velyka Kolyada 2024 will remain a cherished memory as we continue our musical journey.
