In New York, on Broadway, in one of the largest concert halls in the world - Radio City Music Hall, the grand opening of the Christmas Spectacular took place. Ukrainian children joined the show and opened the evening with a second performance of Mykola Leontovych's legendary "Shchedryk". The performance was a continuation of last year's initiative, when the Ukrainian Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells" was performed for the first time on Broadway.
This was reported by Maryna Vlasiuk, President of USA Stands with Ukraine.
According to the President of the Foundation, young artists representing the USA Stands with Ukraine Foundation performed in front of the famous Rockettes and opened the Christmas show for thousands of viewers.
"It was not just a musical composition, but a story about the power of culture to unite generations and remind the world that Ukraine is not just about war, but also about beauty, traditions and indomitable spirit. Shchedrivkas are ancient songs of wishes for good and prosperity. And Mykola Leontovych's "Shchedryk" has become a melody without which it is impossible to imagine Christmas. The world knows it as "Carol of the Bells," but its roots are in Ukraine. It went from a small village to the biggest stages in the world. And this year it was performed for the second time in the heart of New York City - on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall. Thanks to MEEST America and other partners, the story continued and the children opened America's premier Christmas show," says Vlasiuk.
She added that in 2022, Ukrainian children performed "Shchedryk" for the first time on the stage of Radio City Music Hall, drawing attention to Ukraine during the war and revealing another facet of Ukrainian culture to the world.
Marta Misiats, one of the participants, shared her impressions of the performance.
"When we went on stage, I knew that this is not just a song. This is our story. We were singing about Ukraine - about its strength, hope and faith in the future. I thought about how this melody was first sung in New York 100 years ago, and now it is being sung again by children from a country fighting for its existence. It was not just a performance. It was the victorious voice of Ukraine reminding the world once again who we are and that we will never give up," said Marta Misyats.
Another participant, Anna Stepanova, noted that opening the show for the Rockettes was an incredible responsibility and honor.
"When the curtain rose and we saw the audience, it was like a dream. But the most important thing is that we sang for the whole world to show that Ukrainian culture is alive and beautiful," she said.
Michelle Babych: "I saw how the people in the audience listened and kept their eyes on us. They weren't just hearing Shchedryk, they were hearing Ukraine. It was a feeling I will remember for the rest of my life.
According to Veronika Kashchenko, when they performed "Shchedryk," she felt a bridge being built between hearts.
"We united the people in the hall with Ukraine, and that was our main mission that evening," Veronika is sure.
As for Melissa Babych, her cherished dream of performing on Broadway came true.
"This performance was something more. It reminds the world that Ukrainian traditions are eternal. We are proud to have delivered this message," says Melissa.
The youngest participant, Angelina Shevchenko, says that when she sings, she feels like a part of something big and knows that she and the other participants have done something very important that evening.
This performance was part of a long history that began more than a hundred years ago when Oleksandr Koshyts and the Ukrainian Republican Chapel performed "Shchedryk" at Carnegie Hall in 1922. Today, Ukrainian children performing on Broadway are the successors of this tradition, bringing a new sound to world culture.
Author: Inna Mikhno