Ukrainian magic in Paris: Homin choir stuns with Shchedryk and nation's spiritual anthem
"Shchedryk" was performed on a legendary stage for the first time in 106 years (photo: facebook.com/homin.lviv.choir)
The legendary Salle Gaveau hall in Paris has once again heard Ukrainian voices. The Lviv choir Homin performed on the very stage where, more than a century ago, the world first heard Mykola Leontovych's "Shchedryk", the choir wrote on their Facebook page.
Homin impressed the audience with performances of "Shchedryk" and the prayer "God the Great and Only"
During their tour across European countries, the Ukrainian musicians visited the French capital, where on November 17 they performed Ukrainian songs on the Salle Gaveau stage.
The choir reminded that it was there 106 years ago that "Shchedryk" and Ukraine's spiritual anthem "God the Great and Only" were performed for the first time.
Back then, while the struggle for the existence of the Ukrainian People's Republic continued at home, Ukrainian music became a tool of cultural diplomacy, opening Ukraine to the world.
"Paris, November 1919. The Ukrainian Republican Capella of Oleksandr Koshyts triumphantly performs in Salle Gaveau. This is cultural diplomacy at its strongest," the choir commented.
"One hundred and six years later, these works were heard in Paris again: our voice is once again resonating in the heart of Europe. Times have changed, challenges have changed, but the mission remains the same: to carry light, dignity, and truth about Ukraine through music," the performers added.
About the Homin choir
The Lviv Municipal Choir was founded back in 1988. In its modern lineup, the ensemble gained wide popularity thanks to viral videos featuring a cappella versions of contemporary Ukrainian songs.
Since 2023, the group has been part of the Lviv Organ Hall, and its artistic director and conductor is Vadym Yatsenko. The ensemble now travels to different cities and countries, including raising funds to support Ukraine.
