Philadelphia center celebrates Shevchenko, bard of Ukraine (04/02/06)

Philadelphia center celebrates Shevchenko, bard of Ukraine

by Andrea Porytko-Zharovsky

JENKINTOWN, Pa. The Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (UECC) and the Philadelphia Ukrainian community on Sunday, March 12, celebrated two important dates in Ukrainian history: the 192nd birthday of Taras Shevchenko, the great poet, prophet and teacher of the Ukrainian nation, and the 145th anniversary of Shevchenko's death.

Ivan Prasko, master of ceremonies, welcomed Philadelphia's Ukrainian community to the UECC's annual Shevchenko concert, and introduced the talented performers. A portrait of Taras Shevchenko, adorned with an elaborate embroidered ritual cloth, provided the backdrop for the performers.

The Akkolada chamber choir, under the leadership of Bohdan Gengalo, began the concert in the center's great hall with a moving rendition of "Zapovit" (Testament).

Two pupils from the Ukrainian Heritage School recited examples of Shevchenko's descriptive and expressive poetry. Natalie Midzak recited "Rozryta Mohyla" (The Plundered Grave) and Alexander Zharovsky recited "Selo" (The Village).

Leonid Rudnytzky, Ph.D., professor of comparative literature at La Salle University and the University of Pennsylvania, delivered the keynote address to an appreciative audience that listened attentively to his analysis of the universally acknowledged literary interpretation of Shevchenko's works. His many references illustrated the ecumenism of Shevchenko's themes they could apply to any culture at any time. Dr. Rudnytzky reminded us that Shevchenko must be read word by word. Shevchenko himself explains to us how he wants to be read.

Especially noteworthy was Dr. Rudnytzky's reference to the "Kobzar" and its importance. He remarked, "as long as there is a 'Kobzar' in one Ukrainian household, there will be a Ukraine."

A group of young bandura players from the Ukrainian Heritage School, Yuliya Stupen, Natalie Midzak and Katryna Midzak, and their instructor, Halyna Bodnar, performed the song "Kobzari" in honor of the great poet. Mr. Prasko entertained the audience with an artistic reading of "Hamaliya," while Vera Pavlishyn recited "Topolia" (The Poplar).

The accomplished bandura player Alla Kutsevych and singer Svitlana Karpiy, of the Chetverta Khvylia Ensemble (Fourth Wave Ensemble) of New York, along with the Pavlishyn Sisters, Nadiya and Nataliya, sang familiar lyrical Ukrainian songs, at one point inviting the audience to join them. Their beautiful selections showcased their talented voices and Ms. Kutsevych's skill and mastery of the bandura.

Akkolada performed "Nasha Duma" (Our Duma), "Chy My Sche Ziydemosia Znovu" (Will We Meet Again), with solo performances by Marichka Hopka and Mr. Gengalo, and piano accompaniment by Lesia Nestor, and concluded the concert with "Reve Ta Stohne Dnipr Shyrokyi" (The Mighty Dnipro). Mr. Gengalo stated that it was an honor for the choir to take part in honoring and celebrating the remarkable Shevchenko.

Mr. Prasko thanked Dr. Rudnytzky for the keynote address on the theme "The Irrevocable Sacred Truth of the Kobzar," the performers for a wonderful performance, the audience for attending, and all those responsible in organizing the annual concert.

The Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, founded in 1980, is a non-profit organization whose objective is to preserve and promote awareness of the Ukrainian heritage throughout the Philadelphia community. The UECC is located at 700 Cedar Road in Jenkintown, PA 19046 and may be reached via phone, 215-663-1166, or e-mail, [email protected]. Readers may log on to www.ukrainiancenterphila.org for photographs and video of the Shevchenko concert.

Andrea Porytko-Zharovsky is a member of the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center's Press Committee.

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