Wintersongs 2022

In December of 2022, Kitka sang in solidarity with Ukraine, giving voice to the lush harmonies of traditional Ukrainian polyphony as the program’s centerpiece. The theme of 2022’s Wintersongs concert was “Shchedry Vechir,” a common refrain in Ukrainian carols that translates into English as “A Generous Evening.” In addition to offering an abundant feast of sacred and secular songs for the holiday season, these concerts raised awareness of, and funds for, organizations providing critical humanitarian aid to victims of the war in Ukraine.

OJ, JAK ŽE BULO IZPREŽDY VIKA (Oh, how it was before time began)

Gruzky village, Kyiv-Svyatošinskyi district, Ukraine, from the repertoire of Žyvytsia, arr. Kelly Atkins, inspired by an interpretation by the Eteria Choir of L’viv.

In pre-Christian Ukraine, the holiday of Koliada was celebrated at the Winter Solstice before its rituals were absorbed into festivities surrounding Christmas. Koliada marked and celebrated the mystical birth of the world. This beloved creation carol is still sung around Ukrainian Christmas Eve feast tables.

OJ SYVAJA ZOZULEN'KA (A gray cuckoo** flew)

Village of Žaškoviči, Pavlivska, Volyn Region, Ukraine, from the repertoire of Studio Theatre "Ne Žurys!" of L'viv.

**In many old Slavic songs, a cuckoo arrives to mourn the souls of those who passed away.

LIVESTREAM ARCHIVE VIDEO FROM THE SOLD OUT 12/18/22 SAN FRANCISCO PERFORMANCE AT OLD FIRST