A Christmas concert of sacred music titled “God Is with Us” took place at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago, featuring the newly formed Glorious Choir and a chamber orchestra. The event brought together prayer, Ukrainian Christmas carol traditions, and charitable support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This was reported Glorious Choir.
The concert marked the choir’s first major public performance since joining the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA). For the Institute, the event held special significance, as supporting emerging artistic initiatives is one of its core missions.
According to UIMA President Motria Melnyk, the opening communal prayer “God Is with Us,” led together with the cathedral’s pastor Pavlo Drozdiak and the choir, created a unique atmosphere of quiet, peace, and Christmas contemplation within the cathedral.
The program featured Ukrainian carols — both ancient and contemporary — performed by the choir with chamber orchestra accompaniment. Audience members noted that the harmonious blend of voices and instruments added depth and emotional power to the music.
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Under the direction of conductor Bohdana Chepil, the choir demonstrated that Ukrainian caroling is not merely a traditional form of singing, but a living spiritual language capable of conveying inner states and hope. The chamber orchestra subtly underscored the choral parts, enhancing their resonance and emotional impact.
“For me, this concert became a moment of silence and gratitude. Afterwards, there remained a sense of inner calm and hope,” Motria Melnyk shared.
The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art emphasized its pride in having Glorious Choir as part of its artistic community, noting that through music and song the ensemble shares the beauty of Ukraine’s spiritual tradition and fosters a sense of unity within the community.
The evening concluded with the choir performing “Mnohaya Lita” in honor of Motria Melnyk’s birthday, a warm and symbolic culmination of the event.
In addition, a charity fundraiser in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held during the concert.
Photo: Marta Fuoco
Author: Inna Mikhno