In Kirkland, Washington, the historic Kirkland Woman's Club hosted an evening of Ukrainian romance called "The Singing Circle". The main event of the evening was the performance of the band HraiMore, whose sensual music and deep poetry gave the audience unforgettable emotions. The atmospheric event was organized by HraiMore and the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Toloka.
From folk songs to contemporary pieces
The concert symbolically began with the performance of the duma "The Battle of Orsha" by ten-year-old Mykhailo, accompanied by Olga Ohapkina on the wheeled lyre. This composition, which tells about the events of 1514, reminded the audience of the importance of historical memory and the role of music in its preservation.
The atmosphere of the event was filled with deep emotions and sensual music. The program of the evening combined traditional Ukrainian romances, folk songs and modern compositions. Such well-known pieces as "The boat rocks under the water", "Let the cold and the winds", "Hear me in a quiet sigh", "If I had eagle's wings", "My dove", "When on the waves of night" were performed.
The moment of singing folk songs and modern compositions together with the audience was especially touching. Participants of all ages sang "The Blackthorn Blossoms," a song by the bands "Plach Yeremii" and "Skryabin," and ten-year-old Mykhailo added depth to the sound by accompanying them on a two-day-old flute.
Ukrainian culture bridges generations
The HraiMore band is not only musicians, but also true guardians of the Ukrainian song tradition. Its members not only perform, but also revive songs, restore old melodies and create stage costumes that reflect the traditions of different regions of Ukraine. Their contribution to the cultural life of the diaspora is enormous, as they not only preserve and popularize the Ukrainian musical heritage, but also unite Ukrainians far from their homeland.
"My first encounter with the HraiMore band was last year. I was taking my first steps in a new life in a new country. There was a Redmond Light holiday in our town before Christmas. And suddenly, quite unexpectedly for me, I seemed to be in Ukraine. The band "Play the Sea" was playing. It was incredible! Ukraine has blossomed on a small piece of land in Washington State. Inspired faces, wonderful national costumes, beautiful voices. And what songs! No one could pass without stopping to admire this group," shared Oleksandra Tkachenko.
Such feedback once again confirms the importance of Ukrainian culture in the life of the Diaspora,
the preservation and popularization of Ukrainian romance.
Ukrainian romance, which has its origins in the thoughts of the XV-XVII centuries, has come a long way, retaining its emotionality and depth. Thanks to the work of composers Bohdan Vesolovsky, Ihor Shamo, Oleksandr Bilash, Volodymyr Ivasyuk and Anatoliy Kos-Anatolsky, this genre lives on and inspires new generations of artists.
Photo: Olga Kvitka
Авторка: Тетяна Новохатська