“Heritage” is a stunning new album from The Heritage Project in collaboration with the Khanenko Museum. This recording celebrates Ukrainian art songs of the 20th century, blending classical poetry with rich folk traditions. The album features arrangements of folk songs and settings of texts by some of Ukraine’s most beloved poets.
The contributors behind The Heritage Project share a unified mission: to bring Ukrainian classical music to audiences worldwide. The album was made possible by the Per Forma grant program of the Kyiv Contemporary Music Days platform, with additional support from the Performing Arts Fund NL and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands. Together, these organizations champion the development of performing arts in Ukraine.
A Masterful Collection
Recorded within the historic walls of the Khanenko Museum, Heritage includes 20 exquisite pieces, such as “I Will Enchant the Forest,” “Allegro Assai,” and “The Nightingale.” The album showcases works by distinguished composers Lesia Dychko, Levko Kolodub, Marko Kropyvnytskyi, Leopold Yashchenko, and Mykola Stetsiun. Also included is music set to the poetry of Lesya Ukrainka and Taras Shevchenko, offering an immersive journey through Ukraine’s literary and cultural history.
“Today we can interpret them in the context of our time and understanding, which creates a bridge between the past and the present. All this is our history, which we received from our ancestors, and this is our heritage.”
Project Contributors
The album was brought to life by a talented and dedicated team. Kateryna Levytska, a soprano and the author of the project, is a soloist at the National Academic Operetta Theatre in Kyiv. Yulia Yashchenko performed the piano parts and is an accompanist at the National Opera of Ukraine. Andrii Mokrytskyi, the project’s sound engineer, is a recording producer at the Ukrainian Radio Recording House. Kyrylo Semenchenko served as the project’s producer and is the head of the orchestra as well as the deputy head of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Additionally, Oleksandr Zhuk, head of the museum’s educational department, played a vital role in facilitating the recording at the Khanenko Museum.
A Venue Steeped in History
The Khanenko Museum in Kyiv, renowned for its innovative approach to art and culture, provided the ideal backdrop for this recording. Its ancient hall, adorned with intricate woodwork and elegant tapestries, boasts exceptional acoustics that bring out the magic of both voice and instrument. The presence of a grand piano with a storied past, coupled with the expertise of the museum team, further enriched the recording process.
Heritage is a tribute to Ukraine’s cultural legacy, connecting history with the present and inspiring a deeper appreciation for its classical music tradition.
Stream Heritage now on Spotify.
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