100th anniversary of Ukrainian Shchedryk marked at Carnegie Hall

In New York, a festive concert was held at Carnegie Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of the American premiere of Mykola Leontovych's carol "Shchedryk," also known as "Carol of the Bells".

According to an Ukrinform correspondent in New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the audience on this occasion in his video address. He recalled the struggle of Ukrainians against the occupiers and Russia's efforts to leave Ukrainians without light and heat.

"I ask you to look for new ways of helping Ukraine," he said, thanking "everyone who cares about freedom."

The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York, the Ukrainian Children's Choir Shchedryk, which came from Ukraine to the USA, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America and The Choir of Trinity Wall Street performed from the stage.

The artists performed Ukrainian and American Ukrainian songs, including Christmas carols.

Opera singer Janai Brugger and Ukrainian folk singer Marichka Marczyk were special guests. In addition, a world premiere by composer Trevor Weston, setting the words of Ukrainian poet Serhiy Zhadan, was presented. It was performed by the Ukrainian Children's Choir Shchedryk and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street. American director Martin Scorsese and American actress of Ukrainian origin Vera Farmiga hosted the concert.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska in her video message recalled the story of "Shchedryk", stressing that "the song has become a real soundtrack of the winter holidays."

The concert was attended by President of the UN General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, representatives of diplomatic missions of various countries in New York.

The concert was organized by the Ukrainian Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Contemporary Music Festival with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York.

Part of the funds raised through ticket sales will be transferred to the United24 initiative of the President of Ukraine for Ukraine's restoration.