From 17 to 20 August, Ventspils will host the Ukrainian Culture Days “TOGETHER”, which will give the residents and visitors of Ventspils and its region the opportunity to get to know Ukrainian art and cultural traditions. The events will be organised in a colourful and varied programme, including performances by artists from Ukraine – Vinnytsia folk dance ensemble “Квіти Podілля” (“Flowers of Podillya”), municipal stage art workshop “Зоряна мрія” (“Dream of Stars”), as well as wicker weaving masters.
The aim of the programme is to preserve and promote Ukrainian cultural heritage and traditions, to integrate Ukrainians into Latvian society, and to show support for the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian artists will give the opportunity to get to know the culture of their people in art, dance and music.
The Vinnytsia folk dance ensemble “Квіти Поділля” was founded in 1989 by Olena Solodskykh, who is still its permanent director. For thirty years her husband Serhii Solodskykh was and remains her accomplice and assistant in building the team. The ensemble currently has 34 members in three groups of different age categories. They have been winners and Grand Prix winners at various Ukrainian and International folk and folklore art competitions and festivals. The ensemble has repeatedly demonstrated its art in many countries of the world – Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Turkey, Italy and others. Their performances are always a whirlwind of positive emotions, joy and pleasure.
The municipal stage art workshop “Зоряна мрія” was founded in 1997 at the Vinnytsia Palace of Arts. The workshop is attended by children and young people aged 4-25. More than 100 people are trained in vocal art by experienced vocal directors. The repertoire includes Ukrainian and world hits in new arrangements, contemporary popular songs, excerpts from world musicals, rock operas, etc. Young artists actively participate in cultural and artistic projects in the city and the region.
Program of the Ukrainian Culture days:
August 17
15:30 Charity concert /Selga nursing home/
Performers of Ukrainian songs from Latvia and Ukraine – Sandis Mārtiņš Caune, Yelena Novikova, Tetyana Kolii and bandurist Sofija Bezsmertna are taking part.
August 18
18:00 Opening concert “TOGETHER” /Children’s town/
Artists from Latvia and Ukraine. A wide-ranging concert programme will be performed by the Vinnytsia folk dance ensemble “Квіти Поділля”, municipal stage art workshop “Зоряна мрія” and song performer Tetyana Kolii.
August 19
10:30 -13:30 Ukrainian singing /Old Town Market Square/
Vinnytsia folk dance ensemble “Квіти Поділля”, stage municipal art workshop “Зоряна моря”, Kolomyia folk dance ensemble “Divograi”, folk amateur contemporary dance theater “Eridan”, Ukrainian song performers from Latvia and Ukraine: Jeļena Novikova, Sandis Mārtiņš Caune are participating , Tatjana Saksaganska, Yuriy Saksaganski and Tetjana Kolii.
August 20
11:00 a.m. Concert for children /Children’s town/
The concert program will be performed by guests from Ukraine – Vinnytsia folk dance ensemble “Квіти Поділля” and the municipal stage art workshop “Star Dream”.
15:00 Closing concert /Children’s park “Fantazija”/
The Vinnytsia Folk Dance Ensemble “Квіти Поділля”, the Municipal Art Workshop “Зоряна мрія”, Kolomyia Folk Dance Ensemble “Divograi”, the folk amateur modern dance theater “Eridan”, performers of Ukrainian songs from Latvia and Ukraine are taking part.
At the event in the Old Town market square and at the final event in the “Fantazija” children’s park, a Ukrainian homestead, a presentation of Ukrainian cuisine, an exhibition of handicrafts by Ukrainian artists and a small market will be created.
All events are free.
The events are financially supported by the Ventspils State City Municipal Council, organized by the Ukrainian Cultural Society “KOBZAR”.
