Legendary Shchedryk heard across globe: Watch how it was
Ukraine WOW recreated Shchedryk all over the world (photo: Ukraine WOW)
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tour that introduced the world to Shchedryk, stars with Ukrainian roots, Oscar and Emmy nominee, Vera Farmiga, as well as actress and singer Barbra Streisand, shared the composition's story, while musicians performed it at 50 locations worldwide, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing the press service of Ukraine WOW.
A hundred years ago, the Ukrainian Republican Capella, led by Oleksandr Koshyts, toured the world, promoting Ukrainian culture. Over five years, they held more than 500 concerts, always filling the halls.
Today, Shchedryk, known worldwide as Carol of the Bells, once again rings out on the same stages where it was first performed: in Barcelona, Paris, Warsaw, Vienna, London, Mexico City, and other cities.
Shchedryk was heard worldwide (photo: Ukraine WOW)
Thanks to Ukraine WOW and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Shchedryk has once again resonated at iconic locations, reminding the world of Ukraine's cultural heritage.
Ukrainian singer Jerry Heil, together with the choir "V.U.Kh.A.," (ears in English - ed.) performed this song at the National Philharmonic, where it was first presented back in 1916.
"For a century now, Carol of the Bells has been the main soundtrack of Christmas worldwide. Year after year, it is performed by children, adults, the elderly, choirs, ensembles, and orchestras in different countries - they don't even know that it's a Ukrainian folk song arranged by a Ukrainian composer. I want every time Carol of the Bells is played, people to know that it is Shchedryk. They should know that a common culture unites us. They should know that the musical spirit of Christmas was born here, in Ukraine, and that we all have something to protect," said Jerry Heil.
"Ukraine is here. And at this time of year, it can be heard everywhere. The chimes. Carol of the Bells. The hope of the Christmas season, the hope of a nation, and the hope of the entire world are united through this song, which was born in Ukraine," says actress Vera Farmiga in the project's video.
