Themes by tag: culture

Yuriy Fedynsky was born in the U.S. However, 25 years ago he moved to the homeland of his ancestors – Ukraine (Kyiv). And 13 years ago, he settled in the village of Kriachkivka, Poltava region, where he is trying to revive Kobzar traditions. He even founded a Kobzar workshop in the village, where he teaches crafting and how to play the Veresai’s kobza, different versions of bandura, the Mamai’s kobza, and the torban. He also founded the Kobzar Family Tree festival.

After the start of the full-scale war, Yuriy founded Kobzar Armada club: together with his students, he toured the entire country with concerts. In particular, they performed in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, as well as for the Ukrainian defenders at the frontlines. Yuriy says that they have visited almost the entire Eastern Front. They also recently completed a tour of Europe (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands), during which they introduced Kobzar traditions to people from other countries.

In April, Yuriy will go on a large UK tour “The Kobzar’s Prayer for Ukraine,” and then he will once again take his students to perform at the frontlines.

Journalists can learn more about Yuriy and chat with him either in person in Poltava region, or online. 

• culture
• Poltava

Before russia’s full-scale invasion, Andriy Zholob worked as a traumatologist in Lviv. The man is also the front man of Beton punk rock band. At the beginning of the war, his band made a splash around the world with their cover of “London Calling” by the legendary band “The Clash.” Their cover “Kyiv Calling” draws the world’s attention to the struggle of the Ukrainian people. (At that time, The Guardian and Rolling Stone wrote about this cover song).

In May 2022, Andriy became the commander of the medical company of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade. Andriy rescued the wounded in the hottest spots: Donetsk (in particular, Bakhmut and Soledar), Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. Andriy recalls how russian planes hit the medical hub with missiles while working in Kherson area. Back then the medics managed to quickly leave the location and save themselves, because there was a second hit.

The man posted his observations and experiences on Facebook with the hashtag “#запискидокторажолоба” (notes by doctor Zholob). Recently, at the request of the headquarters of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, he created a requiem song for the fallen brothers in arms called “Voices.”

Two weeks ago, Andriy returned to civilian life (military doctor in reserve). Journalists can talk to him either in person in Lviv or online.

• culture
• doctors
• military
• Lviv

Taras Stolyar was a bandura player in the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments for 20 years. Taras put his musical career on hold on February 24, 2022. Taras joined the territorial defense forces of the capital. In March he defended Kyiv region from the russian invaders and received his call sign “Bandura.” Later, Taras’s unit was transferred to the east, he fought near Kreminna and Bakhmut, first he was a marksman but then he took up drones.

In November 2023, Taras joined the “Culture Forces of Ukraine” – an association of Ukrainian artists who perform for the military on the front lines, as well as in hospitals and de-occupied cities. Currently, he tries to motivate and raise the morale of the military with his bandura playing. In particular, his performance of the Metallica song even got a reaction from the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

For reference: Taras Stolyar is currently in the capital. The serviceman is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Under the banner of the “City Healing” initiative, Ukrainian servicemembers undergoing treatment or rehabilitation in Lviv’s medical facilities are being offered complimentary tours of the historic city. These tours, available both individually and in groups, serve as a rejuvenating respite for those in need.

Covering a diverse array of topics, the tours showcase the city’s myriad attractions, from its iconic landmarks and bustling downtown to its serene parks. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into Lviv’s rich history spanning princely and medieval eras, its architectural marvels, artistic heritage, and cherished traditions.

Since its inception, the “City Healing” program has extended its healing touch to 552 military personnel and their families. 

• casualties
• culture
• military
• Lviv

Coinciding with the 210th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s birth, the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine will debut “Unknown Shevchenko,” a production that promises to infuse fresh relevance into Shevchenko’s timeless texts. The performance, featuring the voices of combatants hailing from locales like Soledar and Bakhmut, alongside cadets of the National Guard Institute, is poised to deliver poignant reflections on contemporary issues.

It’s worth noting that since the outbreak of Russia’s full-blown war in Ukraine, cadets from the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard have been at the forefront, bravely defending the capital and directly safeguarding the Bucha district. Among their ranks are individuals who have valiantly defended the Donetsk region, including areas like Soledar, Bakhmut, and Kalynivka.

On March 9, Ukrainians will commemorate the birth of Taras Shevchenko, a towering figure in Ukrainian history known for his contributions as a poet, prose writer, thinker, painter, ethnographer, and public figure. Shevchenko’s literary opus, particularly his iconic collection “Kobzar,” remains the cornerstone of modern Ukrainian literature.

• culture
• Kyiv

Mikael Colville-Andersen, a renowned Danish urbanist, designer, writer, and TV presenter, is making waves in Ukraine with his philanthropic efforts. Founding the non-profit organization Bikes4Ukraine, Colville-Andersen has facilitated the delivery of used bicycles from Europe to Ukrainians in need. Bikes4Ukraine inception was the very reason for Dane’s first coming to Ukraine in June 2022. His initiative already delivered 1000 bicycles for now. 

Currently stationed in Kyiv, Mikael’s tirelessly working on the development of a Nordic Therapy Garden-inspired environment, set to grace the district of Podil. This unique project aims to provide solace and healing to those affected by the stresses of war. More than just a green space, a therapy garden is meticulously crafted to offer comfort and security, providing a sanctuary for individuals grappling with the trauma of war.

Journalists eager to delve deeper into Colville-Andersen’s endeavors, including the creation of the therapeutic garden and other initiatives, can arrange interviews with the urbanist.

Adding to his contributions, from March 1 to 9, an exhibition titled “SNAFU” is on display in Kyiv, showcasing collaborative works of Colville-Andersen and Ukrainian artist Kalyna Seriakovska. The exhibit explores the pursuit of normalcy amidst the chaos of conflict, drawing inspiration from the military abbreviation “SNAFU,” a WW2 military acronym meaning “Situation normal: all fucked up.”

• culture
• reconstruction
• volunteers
• Kyiv

Before facing the brunt of Russia’s invasion, The Jin Roh Circus Studio & Entertainment has been running in Kherson for 15 years. The war caught its members in their hometown. In the chaos, they sought basic necessities like food and medicine, often taking refuge in makeshift shelters. Remarkably, one of the studio’s halls transformed into a bomb shelter, providing safety to around 40 individuals during the tumultuous early weeks. As Russian forces tightened their grip on Kherson, civilians faced escalating repression, prompting many, including Jin Roh’s students, to flee. Even the studio’s founder and director, Roman Vashchenko, was compelled to leave to evade capture.

Since the city’s liberation in November 2022, Vashchenko has returned, dedicating himself to rebuilding the studio’s activities. However, the journey back to normalcy is fraught with challenges. Once bustling with 300 students, Jin Roh now sees a fraction of that number attending classes to 2-8, with safety concerns looming large amidst continued shelling by occupying forces.

For reference: Kherson fell under Russian occupation at the onset of the full-scale invasion on March 1, 2022. It wasn’t until November 11, 2022, that the Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated the city from Russian control. Despite this liberation, the occupiers persist in regularly shelling the city.

• children
• culture
• Kherson

With backing from the Ukrainian President and spearheaded by the Ukrainian State Film Agency, the Ukrainian National Film Festival “Cinema for Victory”, showcasing films created during the Russia-Ukraine war, commemorates the tenth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the second anniversary of full-blown warfare.

The primary objective of the 2024 Cinema for Victory Film Festival is to promote documentary works created during the Russia-Ukraine war. This year’s lineup will spotlight films exposing Russian war crimes and presenting firsthand accounts of Ukrainian experiences.

Positioned as a platform for informational resistance countering Russian aggression and facilitating the development of wartime content, the Cinema for Victory Film Festival aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the film community.

Attendance requires pre-accreditation. 

Further information to be disclosed post-accreditation for security purposes.

• culture
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

In 2014, the ensemble of the Luhansk Regional Philharmonic confronted the initial onslaught of Russian aggression. As Luhansk, a city in eastern Ukraine where the musicians resided and operated, fell under Russian occupation, they were forced to abandon their belongings and relocate to Sievierodonetsk, situated in the government-controlled sector of the Luhansk region. Compounded by the director’s collaboration with the occupiers, they left behind not only musical instruments but also a crucial accumulation of musical notations and documents. Nevertheless, the Philharmonic persisted in its endeavors at the new locale, embarking on extensive tours across Ukraine and abroad.

Fast forward to February 2022, the specter of evacuation loomed once more as the Russian military encroached upon Sievierodonetsk. This time, the musicians sought refuge in Lviv, where they commenced a series of charitable performances in solidarity with the Armed Forces, subsequently resuming their musical engagements. Presently, the 50-member ensemble delivers 6-7 concerts per month, anticipating future tours. Yet, their ultimate aspiration remains to stage a performance in the liberated confines of Ukrainian Luhansk.

For reference: Following months of clashes, Russian forces seized Sievierodonetsk in June 2022. The city, ravaged by Russian shelling, sustained extensive damage, compelling the majority of its inhabitants to flee.

• casualties
• culture
• occupation
• Lviv

On February 21, an interactive presentation of the photo project entitled “Stronger than the Elements” will take place in Kyiv. The event will include a presentation of an art calendar featuring servicewomen (including those released from captivity), veterans, doctors, volunteers and more.

Twelve Ukrainian women who took part in “Stronger than the Elements” photo project are depicted as various natural phenomena. In addition to the four main elements — water, fire, earth, and air — the women personify lava, downpour, avalanche, thunder, lightning, wind, and other formidable natural phenomena.

For example, some of the participants of the photo project include: “Lava” — Valeria “Nava” Subotina, defender of Mariupol, writer; “Lightning” — Dzvenyslava Sira, medical curator of the “Azov” Patronage Service, soldier of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” of the National Guard of Ukraine; “Hurricane” — Natalia Nahorna, military correspondent of TSN, 1+1 TV channel and others.

The initiative to bring these women together for a joint project belongs to Anna Murashenko, Founder of the YOUkraine Charitable Foundation.

The women who took part in the photo project, volunteers, soldiers and representatives of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War will take part in the event.

Funds from the sale of the charity calendar will be spent to purchase drones for the 72nd Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians.

The event requires accreditation.

• culture
• military
• volunteers
• women
• Kyiv