Ukraine WOW honors Christmas classic “Shchedryk” with global tribute project on its 100th anniversary

A hundred years ago, the Ukrainian Republican Capella, led by conductor Oleksandr Koshyts, gave the first-ever Christmas carol "Shchedryk" performance on esteemed stages worldwide. In 2024, the Ukraine WOW agency celebrated this monumental occasion with a grand project to promote Ukrainian culture.

The agency reported this.

"By the centennial of the completion of the tour that introduced the world to "Shchedryk," we have recreated the famous Christmas composition at 50 locations in 17 countries where it was first performed," the organizers emphasized.

According to the story, the first performance of the modern project took place at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine in Kyiv, where in 1916, "Shchedryk" was first performed by the Capella under the direction of Koshyts.

The event was opened by singer Jerry Heil and the choir "V.U.H.A." (Great Ukrainian Amateur Choir), recalling the historical significance of the composition.

"Thank you to Vera Farmiga @verafarmiga and Barbra Streisand @barbrastreisand, who helped us tell the story of the legendary "Shchedryk." As well as to the project's musical director, Jerry Heil @thejerryheil, to every performer and location that participated in creating the video," UKRAINE WOW emphasized.

Geography of performances

During the year, "Shchedryk" was performed in the most prestigious halls and arenas in the world, including:

• Orfeo Catala in Barcelona;
• National Theater in Prague;
• Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris;
• National Philharmonic in Warsaw;
• Plaza de Toros in Mexico City;
• Konzerthaus in Vienna;
• Central Hall Westminster in London;
• Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.

^{Photo: UKRAINE NOW}

"A hundred years ago, the Ukrainian Republican Capella, led by conductor Oleksandr Koshyts, completed a five-year tour of three continents. The tour was supposed to introduce Ukrainian culture into the world context and promote the recognition of the independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Then the Capella gave more than 500 concerts – and everywhere it was sold out," UKRAINE WOW noted.

For reference:

Written by Mykola Leontovych in 1919, the melody has long become a Christmas symbol in many countries. In the English-speaking world, it is known as "Carol of the Bells" and has been repeatedly used in films, advertisements, and concerts, continuing to capture listeners' hearts.

On December 13, the world will mark the 147th birthday of Mykola Leontovych, a renowned 20th-century composer from Vinnytsia. His music is adored worldwide, and he was compared to Bach during his time. Sadly, he died at the young age of 43, falling victim to a Russian Chekist.

As reported, the Ukrainian "Shchedryk" was performed for the first time in history in Europe's outstanding concert hall—the Alte Oper in Frankfurt.

The concert in Frankfurt was part of the orchestra's tour of Germany and was the third and final in a series of planned events. The symphony orchestra performed the composition with Icelandic conductor Gudni Emilsson.

As previously reported by Rubryka, the legendary Christmas song "Shchedryk" by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych became the musical basis for Chanel's holiday advertising.