MUSICIANS AS AMBASSADORS

18 February 2023, 14.00 – 16.00

Kulturhuset Lilla Studion - Stockholm

Whether it’s to speak out against injustices, raise awareness, motivate or soothe, music has, over the years, provided an invaluable outlet. 

After the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine, the whole world was able to observe the resistance of Ukrainians. Civil resistance is now active on all fronts, so art and culture cannot stand aside either. These days, the musical front reacts instantly, creating many  concerts and performances, which help to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, better familiarize the domestic and international public with Ukrainian composers and music history, and, crucially, support the fighting spirit of Ukrainians.

In this panel we will talk about how professional musicians support the cultural front. We will learn more about the richness of Ukrainian music and the Ukrainian artists, who remain active no matter what.

In the beginning of the panel discussion The Untold Story of “Carol of the Bells” • Ukrainer in English is screened. From a folk song to the global Christmas hit, the Ukrainian carol “Shchedryk” soared to fame like a swallow. The melody of “Carol of the Bells”, which became an essential part of the Christmas season in the USA and worldwide, was first introduced to the North American audience 100 years ago. On the 5th of October 1922, the Ukrainian Republican Choir led by Oleksandr Koshyts performed the song at one of the main venues in North America – Carnegie Hall.