At the Cathedral of Saints Volodymyr and Olha in Chicago, a spiritual concert was held, bringing together the Ukrainian community on the eve of Easter. The program featured the cantata “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” performed by the “Glorious” choir and a chamber orchestra conducted by Bohdana Chepil. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.
This was reported by Glorious Choir.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear the performance of the “Glorious” choir and a chamber orchestra under the direction of Bohdana Chepil. The program included the cantata by Ukrainian composer Myron Datsko, set to the words of Basilian priest Vasyl Mendrun, “The Seven Last Words of Christ.” This work reflects on the final words of Jesus Christ on the cross and conveys a spiritual journey “through suffering to salvation.”
A special role in the concert was played by the reading of texts by Father Pavlo Drozdyak, pastor of St. Nicholas Cathedral. His words, as noted, “filled with inner strength, touched the deepest strings of the heart.” Music, word, and prayer came together to create a space for personal reflection on themes of sacrifice, love, and hope.
The concert was opened by the president of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Motria Melnyk. It is emphasized that the “Glorious” choir is part of the Institute, which supports the development of young talents and choral art. Conductor Dana Chepil, during her time in Chicago, has united singers with different levels of musical training into one ensemble. She also leads the church choir at St. Nicholas Cathedral, sings in the “Prykarpatskyi” quintet, and teaches at the Ukrainian studies school at St. Joseph the Betrothed Parish.
During the concert, more than $4,500 in donations were collected. The choir members plan to donate these funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At the conclusion, the pastor of the Cathedral of Saints Volodymyr and Olha, Father Roman Artymovych, thanked the participants and guests for the artistic event. It is noted that the concert became a memorable experience and gave attendees a piece of Ukraine along with the unique energy of live performance.
Photo: Peter Koutun
Author: Danylo Pievchev