Watch the recording of the Concert aired on December 4, 2022, at Carnegie Hall.
From a folk song to the global Christmas hit, the Ukrainian carol “Shchedryk” soared to fame like a swallow. The melody of “Carol of the Bells”, which became an essential part of the Christmas season in the USA and worldwide, was first introduced to the North American audience 100 years ago. On the 5th of October 1922, the Ukrainian Republican Choir led by Oleksandr Koshyts performed the song at one of the main venues in North America – Carnegie Hall.
While almost everyone in the world can recognize the festive jingle of “Carol of the Bells”, very few know the background story of its musical foundation. Together with the Ukrainian Institute, Ukraїner presents the untold story of “Shchedryk”, its cultural mission, and its unique contribution to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts in the 1920s.
100 years later, in the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Notes from Ukraine concert will take place to mark the anniversary of “Shchedryk”.