In New York, one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, Carnegie Hall, hosted a gala concert of the finalists of the second annual Young Talent Fund competition organized by the Ukrainian American Women's Union (UAWU). The competition was an important cultural event that brought together performers from the U.S. and Europe in a celebration of Ukrainian classical music.
This was reported by UNWLA, Honorary Branch 1 – Ukrainian National Women’s League of America.
The concert was opened by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsia. Natalia Pavlenko, President of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America, thanked the sponsors, guests and everyone who supported the competition.
"Thank you to everyone who supports our efforts to discover new talent and promote Ukrainian culture," she said in her speech.
The finalists performed works exclusively by Ukrainian composers, which was a vivid demonstration of the richness of the national musical heritage. In particular. Maria Bohomolova impressed the audience with her bandura playing, performing "The Sound of the Steppes" by Hryhoriy Kuratsa. Viktor Hrechynsky on the piano took the audience to western Ukraine with "Kolomyika" from the cycle "Carpathian Mountains" by Myroslav Skoryk. Guitarist Mykyta Lyashchenko presented a variation on the theme of the Ukrainian folk song "A Cossack Crosses the Danube" by Pavlo Ivankov.
The organizers note that the concert would not have been possible without the support of many partners and sponsors. The Ukrainian Women's Union of America extends special thanks to the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations and sponsors: Veselka, Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, Ukrainian National Association, Selfreliance NYC, and Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union.
The concert was another step in the popularization of Ukrainian musical culture on the world stage. Soon the UIA will start a new selection of young talents to participate in the next competition to continue opening Ukrainian musical treasures to the world and supporting Ukrainian talents.
Author: Danylo Pievchev