Report for the Kilkenny Observer By Svitlana Saseyi.: Photos by Oleksandr Rymar
On the 28th of December, Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny hosted a Christmas Concert organised by the Ukrainian Community.
The event was dedicated to both modern and traditional ways of celebrating Christmas in Ukraine and was a great display of singing, acting, and dancing talents performed mostly by the younger members.
The large community of Ukrainians in Kilkenny has been actively involved in the social and cultural life of the city for the past year and a half, which is why the concert itself was a good opportunity to reflect on several significant achievements.
According to the presenters: “The desire to support and preserve Ukrainian culture, to demonstrate our traditions here in a foreign country, became the reason for the creation of a cultural and creative centre that operates in different directions with the participation of different age groups”.
They included “Talent Team Teenagers.UA” the youth group, which has been performing drama, singing, and dancing.
At the concert, the group amazed everyone with a wonderful performance of the nativity scene in the Ukrainian traditional style, combined with carolling and portraying different characters.
Last year, many city citizens were delighted to see the Christmas performance by the youth group in English and Ukrainian at different locations.
This year, it looked and sounded even more spectacular! Their mentors are Ukrainian community activists: Oksana Kurovets (a professional music teacher, and phycologist), Lilia Niemtsova ( a professional vocal teacher and conductor), Svitlana Saseyi ( a language teacher and youth worker).
At the moment, the centre does not yet have any premises and is being run on a voluntary basis.
However, the community looks forward to a more established level in the future.
Another area of the centre’s activity mentioned was the recently created women’s choir Voice Band, which has been performing successfully in many cities in Ireland.
They thrilled the guests with Ukrainian modern and folk Christmas songs as well as a two-language version of “Silent Night”.
The singing was crowned by the magnificent duet of Lilia Niemtsova and Oksana Kurovets, accompanied by the traditional instrument of bandura – “the soul of every Ukrainian person”, according to the presenter.
A lovely dance show by the youngest dance and gymnastics artists YouRitMix, put smiles on everyone’s faces.
The concert’s atmosphere was complemented by the presence of many Irish friends, including the Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone who gave a speech and congratulated everyone, highlighting that the Ukrainian community is welcomed and cherished in Kilkenny.
The former Mayor, Cllr David Fitzerald was very kind last year to invite the youth group to the City Hall and it was a real pleasure to see him this year at the concert with his wife, Paula Fitzgerald.
A special vibe of hope was brought by Dr. Toluwani Akaehomen, a lecturer, businesswoman and educator, who addressed all Ukrainians with the message of being optimistic, and active, and she gave great advice on integrating and “giving back to the society”.
It was a valuable inspiration to the newly arrived from the successful professor and mother-of-four with the migrant experience.
The event was a great success and more than 200 people attended the concert.
Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper, a spokesperson for the Ukranian community said that The Ukrainian community was very grateful for the hospitality and support received from the Irish people and wished everyone a happy and peaceful New Year!
