HORSHAM, Pa. – The Ukrainian and American flags danced in the brilliant sunshine and mild breezes of another delightful summer afternoon at the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub. The intense and complex thoughts, prayers and emotions of the gathering crowd were palpable this Sunday, August 28.
Ukrainians, haling, directly or through ancestry from nearly all regions of Ukraine, demonstrated solidarity with their homeland and its people through their spirited attendance, clothing and accessories: Beautiful embroideries and folk costumes, flags, tryzubs, Ukrainian sports and thematic jerseys and the sound of the beautiful language affirmed the presence of Ukraine’s immortal spirit in the festival glade, well before the concert had even started.
Efsane
Efsane Ukrainian Crimean Tatar ensemble members (from left): Yunus Faizov, Uryane Faizova, Uriye Kermenchykli (renowned singer), Dinara Faizova (ensemble choreographer) and Akhtem Esatov.
They came to celebrate Ukraine’s independence and the liberating force of the Maidan movement, Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. But they also came to pray, to find communal solace and to mourn and honor the sacrifices of their brothers and sisters for their ancestral homeland’s freedom.
Representatives of other nations, once also captives or vassals of the Soviet Russian empire, were present; their national colors and symbols added to the Ukrainian imagery. Many other non-Ukrainians who attended came to know and to experience the brilliant nature, culture and history of a people that dares to defy Vladimir Putin and his formidable arsenal of troops, weapons, tanks, artillery and advanced resources for foreign intrigue and cyberwarfare.
Danylo Nysch, president of both the Ukrainian Nationals and Tryzub’s soccer program, and Anatolij Murha and Julia Stupen, representatives of the chief festival sponsor, the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union of Philadelphia, greeted the audience and introduced this writer as the concert’s master of ceremonies. Jonathan Peri, the newly installed president of Manor College, America’s only Ukrainian heritage institution of higher learning, which had associated itself with this year’s festival as a friend and supporter, also greeted the festival-goers and offered brief remarks.
Christine Syzonenko
The dance “Puppets” featuring artistic directors Taras Lewyckyj (“Putin”), Andrij Cybyk (“Kozak)” and Milia Knihnicky (“Ukraine”).
Ukrainian American Veterans Posts 1 (Philadelphia) and 42 (Lehigh Valley), named in memory, respectively, of Anthony Bilyi, a young Ukrainian American who sacrificed his life defending Pearl Harbor, and Wolodymyr Palahniuk (Jack Palance), presented the colors. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause as the flag of Crimea and its indigenous Tatar population appeared on stage.
The guest a cappella vocal group Spiv Zhyttya (Living in Song) of Baltimore-Washington and guest soloist Julia Stupen of Philadelphia delivered masterful renditions of the U.S. and Ukrainian national anthems, respectively.
The Rev. Volodymyr Kostyuk, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, in Jenkintown, Pa., Pastor Viktor Shchypailo of the First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church and the Rev. Protopresbyter Taras Naumenko, pastor of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia, offered prayers and benediction. A young Ukrainian Crimean Tatar, Akhtem Esatov, dressed in Tatar folk garb, then recited a moving, prayerful poem by Bekir Sitki Chobanzade titled “My Tatarness.”
Christine Syzonenko
Violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo with Voloshky and Iskra in “The Lark.”
The MC called all to a moment of silence in memory of those who have sacrificed and are sacrificing their lives and well-being in defense of freedom, human rights and dignity. The opening ceremonies closed with Spiv Zhyttya’s soulful rendition of “Prayer for Ukraine” and the playing of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus’ stirring version of “America the Beautiful” (Ihor Kusznir, soloist).
As is the tradition at Tryzub, the artists themselves, spearheaded by the Voloshky and Iskra Ukrainian dance ensembles’ artistic directors, Taras Lewyckyj and Andrij Cybyk, designed and created an integrated collaborative concert program. The artistic unity underscored the theme: “United Ukraine – United with Us.”
Over and over again, having learned each other’s choreographies, the Voloshky and Iskra dancers, at times accompanied by Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo’s vibrant violin and at other times accompanied by the voices of Spiv Zhyttia, took to the stage and danced together as one ensemble. Each number was a dynamic masterpiece that filled the stage with the majesty of Ukrainian dance and generated a seemingly endless stream of encores and audience accolades.
In the midst of the celebration, the artists sprung an inspiring surprise. A Ukrainian Crimean Tatar music, song and dance ensemble based in the U.S., named Efsane (Tatar Legend), had been invited to perform. Yunus Faizov, Uryane Faizova, Uriye Kermenchykli (famous Ukrainian Tatar singer); Dinara Faizova (ensemble choreographer); and Akhtem Esatov gave a memorable, ground-breaking performance that completed the mosaic of Ukrainian artistic and national unity.
The MC also extended greetings from Ayla Bakkalli, executive member of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars, representative of the Mejlis at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and adviser to the U.N. Mission of Ukraine on such matters. He conveyed her condemnation of Russia’s unlawful imperial conquest and occupation of Crimea and its brazen, ghastly human rights violations against Crimean Tatars and other Ukrainians.
Voice of America correspondent Oleksandr Yanevskyy, who filmed and reported on this year’s festival, commented on his Facebook page: “This was an extraordinary festival. It was difficult to look into the eyes of the Crimean Tatars, inasmuch as it is difficult to convey in words the sorrow and longing they feel for their homeland, now stolen from them for a second time.”
Another stirring moment occurred when the Iskra and Voloshky Ensembles performed a dancing and musical tribute to singer/composer Volodymyr Ivasiuk. The MC explained to the non-Ukrainian audience the unique role of Ukrainian artists, dancers, singers and musicians as Soviet-era dissidents and freedom fighters. The Vox Ethnika orchestra-ensemble, which had already once impressed the audience with a set of Ukrainian folk music, then accented this portion of the program with a medley of Ivasiuk’s brilliant works.
Tremendous performances by Ms. Stupen, Spiv Zhyttia and violin virtuoso Ms. Tymochko Dekajlo completed the artistic diversity of the day.
Another surprise was a stellar performance by young rhythmic gymnast Kristina Yakubets. Already recognized among the best young athletes of 2015, she is not only part of the U.S. Elite Squad for 2016, but is capping off a three-year reign as the U.S.A. champion of the Junior Elite Team.
Throughout the day, the MC drew for the audience brief sketches of Ukraine, its geography and history, and its past and current struggles for freedom and self-determination. He emphasized that the Ukrainian people can, must and will fully attain and celebrate not only their independence, but also the freedom and dignity that promise to be the progeny of the Maidan revolution and movement. He encouraged everyone to take action to assist Ukraine and its people.
In tandem, Tryzub held a 50-50 raffle for the benefit of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee’s humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, raised awareness of the needs and encouraged all to visit UUARC’s table at the festival and to contribute generously.
Towards the end of the program, all the performers were called on stage for a final farewell and the singing of “Mnohaya Lita.” The Voloshky and Iskra dancers then broke out into a Hopak that was among the most vibrant and majestic ever experienced. It was a salute and tribute to the selfless cooperation of the performing artists.
A vibrant dance at the outdoor dance pavilion followed to the tunes of Vox Ethnika. Throughout the day, festival-goers were able to visit the vendor’s grove, which was full of Ukrainian arts and crafts and, in many cases, the artists that created them. Face-painting, caricature drawings and myriad amusements were available for kids of all ages. A lush menu of Ukrainian and barbecued foods, desserts and adult refreshments rounded out a very spirited, emotional and uplifting day.
America’s only Ukrainian heritage institution of higher education, Manor College – founded in 1947 by the Ukrainian Catholic Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Jenkintown, a northern suburb of Philadelphia – took part in the festival in so many worthwhile ways. In addition to promoting the event through its media resources, Manor provided volunteers and manned two community tents. One offered very interesting and intriguing information about the college’s historic, unique and accomplished position in the field of higher education; the other, sponsored by its Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center, offered displays, master demonstrations, and discourse about Ukrainian folk artistry, customs and traditions: embroidery, pysanky Easter eggs, gerdany jewelry, wood-carving, weaving, folk costumes, etc.
UASC Tryzub had issued the following statement about the festival and its goals: “Recent events in Ukraine, the Euro-Maidan Protest and Revolution of Dignity, as well as the twilight struggle against unlawful Russian aggression, have forged a unified Ukrainian national identity, both in Ukraine and in the diaspora. America’s support of Ukraine’s commitment to a self-determined democratic future – to life, liberty, freedom and justice – has created permanent bonds of friendship between the two nations. This year’s festival, under the theme of “United Ukraine – United with Us” was designed to honor and to strengthen these extraordinary relationships and developments.”