Opera Gala

Christmas is a joyful time; it is time of mercy, kindness and forgiveness; it is time

when our homes are filled with the aroma of a fir tree and delicious pastry and you can

enjoy the carols singing outside. It is the feast of warmth and family coziness. These may

be the only days among the few others in the year when people, as if by the silent consent,

willingly open their hearts to each other and send out love and eagerness to take care of

each other.

During this time Ukrainians sing traditional kolyadky and schedrivky wishing

prosperity to the hosts and their families. Winter is slowly getting back giving way to the

spring sun.

After joyful celebration we should give a great farewell to the feasts so that they

come back next year and our concert is a symbolic closure of the Christmas and New Year

holiday cycle.

The outstanding soloists Nataliya Stepanyak and Nazar Tatsyshyn, INSO-Lviv

Orchestra, HOMIN Lviv Municipal Choir and conductor Yaroslav Shemet cordially invite

you to share this evening with us and enjoy the Ukrainian kolyada, Italian opera and

Viennese operetta.

From “Romeo and Juliette” in the version by an Italian composer Bellini and

humorous “L'elisir d'amore” by Donizetti to Lehár’s “Die lustige Witwe” and Strauss’

“Wiener Blut” – the performers chose the brightest moments from each opera and operetta

and built an exclusive program. The second part of the concert will feature modern

interpretations of ancient kolyada and schedrivky by the composers Hanna Havrylets,

Viktor Hrytsyshyn and Ivan Nebesnyy allowing the audience to hear the authentic music in

a new way.

Solemnity of kolyada and the echo of winter holidays will grant us festive mood and

high spirits. The new cycle begins bringing new hopes for the best in our lives. The one

who starts any endeavour with clear and bright thoughts will always gain success! Let us

remember about it!

Come to the Lviv Philharmonic Hall together with your dear and beloved ones and let

your hearts be filled with music of joy, love and spiritual unity.