Diplomat song “Shchedryk” becomes a mini-sculpture in Kyiv
20 December 2024 17:55
“Shchedryk” heralds Ukrainian spring to the world – the 47th mini-sculpture unveiled by Kyiv city manager Yulia Bevzenko as part of the historical and cultural project “Shukai” is dedicated to the idea of cultural diplomacy
A mini-sculpture dedicated to cultural diplomacy was unveiled on the facade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The idea behind the work is based on the song “Shchedryk” by composer Mykola Leontovych, which is a symbol of the victory of Ukrainian culture. Installed with the patronage of KredoBank, it became the 47th in the “Seek” project, which tells the stories of Kyiv through bronze mini-sculptures.
The story of the international triumph of the diplomat song “Shchedryk,” known abroad as “Carol of the Bells,” began in 1919, when the Russian Bolsheviks approached Kyiv and Ukraine faced challenges similar to those we face on February 24, 2022. The then leader of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, Symon Petliura, organized the Ukrainian Republican Chapel under the direction of Oleksandr Koshytsia to strengthen the line of cultural diplomacy. mykola Leontovych’s “Shchedryk” was included in the program of a world tour, which became a prerequisite for the appearance of the world-famous version of the song, the Christmas hit “Carol of the Bells.”
“The story of ‘Shchedryk’, its creator Mykola Leontovych, the tour of the Koshytsia Chapel, and the worldwide popularity of this work is a story about the continuity of the Ukrainian state through the centuries, about our resistance to Moscow’s attempts to destroy our identity, about Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy from the times of the Ukrainian People’s Republic to the present day. The new mini-sculpture emphasizes the genius of Shchedryk, the soft power of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy, and the invincibility of the Ukrainian people,” said Andriy Sybiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, about the cultural and diplomatic role of the composition to which the mini-sculpture is dedicated.
The main message of the 47th work of the “Shukai” project emphasizes that each of us is an ambassador and diplomat of our identity.
“We are the cultural diplomats. As the world ambassador of Ukrainian borsch, Chef Yevhen Klopotenko, as comedian Vasyl Baidak with his world tours. And cultural diplomacy is the success of entrepreneurs, the fame of designers Ivan Frolov and Ruslan Baginsky, the flag in space by U24, the film 20 Days in Mariupol, the embroidered shirt with tanks by Ethnodom on the President’s desk, and when Kuindzhi is recognized as a Ukrainian artist. I urge you to be cultural diplomats for your cities and country. As a cultural diplomat of Sumy, comedian Felix Redka, of Mariupol, showman Oleksiy Durnev, of Kerch, hostess Masha Efrosinina, of Hoshcha, writer Katya Blestka, of Khmelnytsky, Lesya Nikitiuk, and of Crimea, Jamala, whose song “1944” won the Eurovision Song Contest. “This mini-sculpture is a tribute to ‘Shchedryk’ for all of us, cultural diplomats,” reveals the idea behind the work, says the project’s author Yulia Bevzenko, known for her role as Kyiv’s city manager.
“Shchedryk is a reminder of the struggle of Ukrainian culture, which began more than 100 years ago and continues today.
“The story of Shchedryk is a symbol of the victory of culture over time and circumstances. When Ukraine was occupied, this song conquered the stages of Europe and the world, reminding us of Ukraine, dignity and national identity. We are convinced that the melody of this little bird will continue to sound, uniting the civilized world, giving hope and warmth in our hearts. And, as it is sung in “Shchedryk”, we wish everyone “a measure of money”, because the financial stability of Ukrainians and Ukraine is an important weapon on the way to recovery and victory,” comments Jakub Karnowski, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of KredoBank, the patron of the mini-sculpture.
From now on, the sculpture can be found at the following address: 1 Mykhailivska Square, facade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
