The Ukrainian GALA VYTOKY Event
In Kyiv, the Ukrainian GALA VYTOKY event took place, combining an institutional platform called Ukrainian GALA with a concert titled VYTOKY. Although the building of the International Center for Culture and Arts (MTSKM) was damaged in a Russian attack, and the studio of the team working on the project was also hit, the organizers chose not to cancel. They stated that
the team decided not to build communication around the tragedy, but to show that Ukraine’s cultural life continues even during wartime.
Event Formats and Participants
The event brought together two formats: the first was Ukrainian GALA, held in the Atrium of the October Palace, and the second was the concert VYTOKY: Legends of Ukrainian Song, accompanied by the National Presidential Orchestra. The evening’s dress code was Ethno Tie. Guests included representatives of Ukrainian culture, such as:
- Nikolas Karma
- Anastasiia Tsymbaliaru
- Vlad Darwin
- Olha Sumska
- and many others
Poet Dmytro Moroziuk presented his original poem 'Second-Rate Hero,' created specifically for this occasion. Awards and statuettes from Ukrainian GALA’26 were given to figures such as:
- Oleksandr Zlotnyk
- Maksym Husak
- Anzhela Norboieva
- YULA
- Oksana Skybinska
- Hena Viter
- Pavlo Shylko
- Alona Mozhova
- Cultural Landing (represented by Mykhailo Oliinyk)
- and Yurii Andrushchenko
The concert program was produced by Anna Haharina and Alina Reshetar, while the evening’s hosts were Oleksii Dontsov and Kateryna Stashko. During the concert, well-known songs were performed, including:
- 'Vodohrai'
- 'Stozhary'
- 'Ya pidu v daleki hory'
- 'Yak tebe ne liubyty, Kyieve mii'
- 'Teche voda'
- 'Kokhany'
- 'Krai'
- 'Charivna skrypka'
- 'Zaprosy mene u sny svoi'
- 'De ty teper'
- 'Troiandy na peroni'
- 'Cheremshyna'
The organizers emphasize that 'Ukrainian GALA VYTOKY is meant to be not a one-time event, but the start of a new cultural tradition.' This event became a significant moment for the Ukrainian community, showcasing resilience and creative wealth even under wartime conditions.
The Ukrainian GALA VYTOKY event underscores the unyielding spirit of Ukrainians during times of hardship, highlighting the importance of cultural life even in difficult circumstances. Thanks to such events, Ukrainian culture gains new momentum for development and the preservation of traditions, which is a vital element of national identity. The organizers hope for the continued growth of this initiative, which could serve as a foundation for new cultural projects in Ukraine.
In a remarkable demonstration of resilience, the GALA VYTOKY event not only showcased Ukraine's vibrant cultural scene but also set the stage for future performances. This comes on the heels of another significant event at the October Palace, where a star-studded concert featuring the Presidential Orchestra is set to captivate audiences. Such initiatives highlight the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian artists even in challenging times.