Uzhhorod unveils mini-sculpture of composer Leontovych on 105th anniversary of Shchedryk carol
Photo: Fedir Shandor
In honor of the 105th anniversary of the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian "Shchedryk" carol, globally known as "Carol of the Bells," a small statue of composer Leontovych was revealed in Uzhhorod. Additionally, a head scarf featuring the iconic melody was gifted.
Ukrinform reported this.
As Professor Fedir Shandor reported, Leontovych's mini-sculpture and the thematic head scarf with Shchedryk's melody were presented on December 5 in Uzhhorod.
Photo: Fedir Shandor
"The sculptor who created the sculpture "Shchedryk" is Roman Murnyk. It depicts the composer Mykola Leontovych sitting in a birdhouse, often referred to as the father of the "Shchedryk" song. Two forest swallows are also depicted beside him, while below is the same swallow that famously flew from the birdhouse.
Inside the feeder, there is a Christmas bell, a reminder that Leontovych's "Shchedryk" is known worldwide as the Carol of the Bells."
The professor also said that the first words from the world-famous work are written on the wall where the mini-sculpture is installed.
At the same time, the author's scarf, "Shchedryk," from the Uzhhorod brand "Shpalta," was also showcased in Uzhhorod. It carries the same tune as Leontovych's.
Photo: Fedir Shandor
At Uzhhorod National University, a concert was held in the large hall to celebrate Shchedryk's 105th anniversary. The performers came from Vynohradiv, Uzhhorod, Mukachevo, and Kharkiv.
They performed the famous "Shchedryk" in various interpretations.
"These were brass bands, bandurists, mandolins, accordionists, classical and vocalists singing pop music. They even performed "Shchedryk" in sign language," Shandor said.
Photo: Fedir Shandor
According to the professor, the birthday of "Shchedryk" will be celebrated annually in Uzhhorod.
After all, in 1919, the Oleksandr Koshyts's Chapel presented "Shchedryk" at its first concert in Uzhhorod on the way to its European tour.
Photo: Fedir Shandor
It was also in Uzhhorod that the chapel's (about 80 people) composition and repertoire were finally formed, and then it went to Europe.
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 in the outstanding concert hall of Europe—the Alte Oper in Frankfurt—for the first time in history.
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.
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