At St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago, the annual Festival Caroling Together took place — the largest Christmas event of the Ukrainian community. The event brought together more than 300 participants, ranging from professional performers to children’s ensembles, and was dedicated to raising funds for the medical treatment of Ukrainian service members.
This was reported by the festival’s organizing committee.
“The Festival Caroling Together, the largest annual Christmas event in Chicago and the surrounding area, with 20 ensembles participating this year, sincerely thanks all choirs and ensembles, all sponsors, volunteers, and festival guests! This year, the Festival welcomed 300 performers and approximately 600 attendees. Thanks to the generosity of the entire local Ukrainian community, as well as donors from various religious communities and organizations, together we raised $26,189 for medical assistance to Ukrainian defenders. In addition, the Church of Evangelical Faith contributed an additional $1,000 toward the restoration of the cathedral,” the organizers said.
The holiday began with a performance by the “Vodohrai” band, after which Bishop Venedikt Aleksiychuk delivered a welcoming speech. The program was hosted by Khrystyna Musiy and Danylo Melnyk. For two and a half hours, such groups as the ensemble “Melody” of The Elegy Vocal and Dance Studio, the children's choirs Nadiya, Angelyk, Irmos, the bands Oberig, Garmoniya, Svashky, the Smart Minds ensemble, and the choirs of the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox parishes of Chicago, etc. performed on stage.
“Not only Ukrainian performers expressed a desire to participate in the Rozkolyad. The guest quartet sang the carol “O Holy Night” in English, and “Silent Night” in German, Ukrainian, Korean and English! Artists: Barbara Landis, Karl Ratner, Oleksandra Torchynska and Simon Kyang Lee. Strong academic singing, an interesting idea captivated the audience! Anatoliy Torchynsky accompanied these two compositions and the following solo by Korean tenor Simon Kyang Lee “Prayer from the opera “The Seat”, - Galyna Ugryna shared her impressions of the event.
A particularly touching moment was the joint performance by all participants and guests of the traditional carol “God the Eternal”.
“The second part of the concert included a meeting with the “heavyweights” of carols and music. And the first to perform was the St. Joseph brass band of the St. Joseph Obruchnik parish. As the season goes, so does the news from this most developed in terms of art, volunteer work, and youth! Here is a new orchestra, with a wonderful conductor Ivan Strogush! His manner of conducting not only the musicians, but also the audience, with the certainty that “Good evening to you!” everyone knows, had a sincere response! The beloved carol “Silent Night” with the solo of Tatyana Vakhnovskaya was perceived as if you were in a luxurious Lviv opera… The highest class!”, - added Halyna Uhryna.
The festival was held by volunteers from various parishes and public organizations, and once again proved that the strength of the community is in unity and joint actions.
“This cultural event has a long tradition. Every year, many organizations and denominations make efforts to make the festival special. In addition to traditional and modern Ukrainian carols, the program included jazz compositions, opera singers, a violinist accompanied by a piano, a choir with a chamber orchestra, a large brass band, and a folklore group with instrumentalists. This is a true testament to unity in love for God, for each other, and for Ukraine. The organizers of the Festival sincerely thank all performers, guests, sponsors, and volunteers,” the organizers noted.
All funds raised from the event will be donated to the medical treatment of Ukrainian soldiers. It is worth noting that the event was also attended by soldiers who are currently undergoing treatment in the United States with the support of Revived Soldiers Ukraine.
“The main focus this year is to provide medical assistance as close to the front line as possible. We are implementing this together with the Donetsk Exarchate of the UGCC, which is currently in Zaporizhia and directly assisting the medics of the 12th Assault Brigade, who are rescuing the wounded on the front lines. Your donations are also directed to supporting the seriously wounded in the Lviv Military Hospital, the Ukrainian Daughters Foundation, and the Revived Soldiers Ukraine medical projects,” the organizing committee added.
They also noted that the Festival Caroling Together is an annual event in Chicago which, at the end of the Christmas season, brings together the entire Ukrainian community and its friends to glorify God and raise funds in support of Ukraine.
Photo: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Venedykt Aleksiychuk, St. Joseph BAND / Духовий оркестр Св. Йосифа
Author: Inna Mikhno