Legendary Songs by Yuriy Rybchynskyi Fill Concert Hall as Veryovka Choir Performs to a Sold-Out Crowd

Concert 'Legends of Ukraine. Golden Hits'

According to Главком: On May 10, the National Palace of Arts 'Ukraine' hosted a concert titled 'Legends of Ukraine. Golden Hits.' The event featured the Hryhorii Veryovka National Honored Academic Ukrainian Folk Choir, which performed a series of well-known songs by poet Yuriy Rybchynskyi. This performance served as a vibrant conclusion to Rybchynskyi's anniversary year, celebrating his significant contributions to Ukrainian music. For context, Rybchynskyi is a celebrated Ukrainian poet and lyricist whose work spans decades, making this event a milestone for fans of Ukrainian culture.

The concert lasted nearly two hours and attracted a large audience of Ukrainian music enthusiasts. Among the pieces performed was the famous song 'Oi Letyly Dykii Husi' (Oh, Wild Geese Flew), composed in 1969 by Ihor Poklad. This song holds special significance, having been performed by artists like Nina Matviienko and Ruslana. Notably, Ruslana won the Slavianski Bazaar competition with this very composition. It is worth noting that both Yuriy Rybchynskyi and Ihor Poklad were just 22 years old when they created this iconic piece.

Upcoming Events and the Significance of Ukrainian Music

The concert concluded with the Ukrainian national anthem, a symbolic finale to the evening. The next event honoring Yuriy Rybchynskyi is scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the Palace 'Ukraine,' where his 80th birthday will be celebrated. The organizers are the Palace 'Ukraine' and its director, Serhii Perman. The event will feature renowned Ukrainian artists, including:

• Iryna Bilyk
• Oleksandr Ponomariov
• Natalia Mohylevska

Yuriy Rybchynskyi shared his emotions about the performance of 'Oi Letyly Dykii Husi': 'I cried several times while listening to Wild Geese. I remembered how old I was. Both Poklad and I were 22 years old.'

These words highlight not only his personal connection to the work but also the deep generational bond that music creates. Composers who have collaborated with Rybchynskyi include Ihor Poklad, Oleksandr Zlotnyk, Eduard Khanok, and Mykola Mozghovyi, underscoring his rich creative journey and the importance of his contributions to Ukrainian culture.

This event not only marked Rybchynskyi's anniversary but also emphasized the role of Ukrainian music in the nation's cultural life. The concert served as a platform for passing on creative heritage, highlighting the importance of collective memory and the emotional ties of the Ukrainian people to their musical traditions. The upcoming event in 2025 promises to be another step in honoring this distinguished poet and composer, reaffirming his enduring relevance in Ukrainian culture.