Music to Honor Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its courageous response have prompted musicians to create music to honor the country and its heritage. Here are some examples I’ve found in exploring youtube.com.
Chanticleer, the award-winning professional male chorus, recorded the Ukrainian anthem, “Prayer for Ukraine,” arranged by Mykola Lysenko on March 17th. This is considered a second national anthem in Ukraine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_9Haeb9kig
English Translation, Verse 1:
Lord, oh the Great and Almighty,
protect our beloved Ukraine,
bless her with freedom and light
of your holy rays.
With learning and knowledge enlighten
us your children,
in love pure and everlasting
Let us, oh Lord, grow!
Verse 2:
We pray, oh Lord Almighty,
protect our beloved Ukraine,
grant our people and country
all your kindness and grace.
Bless us with freedom, bless us with wisdom,
guide into kind world,
Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune
for evermore!
Winnepeg Classic Radio 107’s Simon Rusnak, a Canadian Ukrainian, interviewed Tim Keeler, conductor of Chanticleer, on March 15th. They explored why the group chose to honor Ukraine with this particular anthem and the problems they experienced with singing the Ukrainian language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oai4O2D7Usc
The famous chorus has disseminated tools for other choirs who want to join their voices to this anthem. It includes a pronunciation guide, audible pronunciation, sheet music (TTBB) and MP3 recording.
John Rutter, famed US choral composer and director, created his own anthem, “A Prayer for Ukraine,” in March. He conducted the 300-voice Cambridge Singers on March 15th. A simple translation of the Ukrainian text is “Good Lord, protect Ukraine. Give her strength, courage, faith, hope.” Listen to his introduction and choral performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJl3kVwl2-U
There are many versions of Rutter’s anthem on youtube.com. Here’s one by the Camerata Silesia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJl-hy6PIAk
The outpouring of support for Ukraine by musicians is represented on the Facebook page, We Sing for Ukraine. Scan through the many offerings presented.
https://m.facebook.com/We-sing-for-Ukraine-109293011695108/
Besides our country’s support of weapons and our individual support with money, musicians add their gifts to our love for Ukrainians.
Submitted by Teresa Wilmot