New Breath of Ukrainian Culture: Christmas Concert in Odesa
A significant cultural event took place in Odesa — during the Christmas concert, a new rendition of the legendary «Shchedryk» was presented by local choir groups. The audience also had the opportunity to see the music video for this piece, filmed under wartime conditions.
This work, created by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, has become a symbol of Ukrainian music worldwide. This time, «Shchedryk» was performed in collaboration with Odesa musicians who united to create its new version.
The idea for the project emerged from Odesa's music schools. The initiative involved the Odesa Professional Art College named after K.F. Dankevych, along with numerous musicians who aimed to reinterpret this well-known piece and showcase modern cultural Odesa.
The filming of the music video took place under challenging conditions — during brief breaks between air raid alerts, symbolizing the resilience of the city and its cultural community.
Olga Lozova, Deputy Head of the Odesa Military Administration, emphasized the project's importance for the city:
«Such initiatives are not just art. They represent our identity, our ability for Odesa to resonate and create even in the toughest times. «Shchedryk» performed by Odesans is the voice of the city that the whole world hears».
Project coordinator Olena Pavlova noted that the main goal was to preserve sincerity and live emotion:
«We wanted Odesa to sound new and modern. In every note — Odesa, in every voice — our unity and faith in culture as a unifying force».
The project exemplifies how culture continues to live, evolve, and unite communities even during wartime, shaping the modern cultural image of Odesa on the map of Ukraine and the world.
