Taras Shevchenko Concert

 

On March 22, 2009, the Ukrainian American Club of Saint Stephen’s Church in Toms River, New Jersey, sponsored an inspiring and beautiful concert celebrating the memory of Ukraine’s most famous native son, Taras Shevchenko. The deep love and respect for this great Ukrainian poet hero was evident throughout the program. After singing “God Bless America” and “Ukraine Has Not Perished-Ukrainian National Anthem,” Master of Ceremonies, Gerry “Slavko” Tchir, greeted the concert attendees, and thanked the audience for their attendance and pride in their Ukrainian heritage. He then introduced John Bortnyk, President of the Ukrainian American Club, and acknowledged Irena Bortnyk, for her food preparations and Olga Tchir for preparing the lovely program agendas for this event. The program began with a magnificent testimonial to Taras Shevchenko in our native Ukrainian language by Dr. Orest Popovich. The program continued with Mr. Ihor Dworjan presenting an inspiring Taras Shevchenko testimonial in English, and Mr. Ostap Jakubowycz reciting Shevchenko’s “Testament,” in English and Ukrainian. Mr. Bohdan Bortnyk recitied “From Your Words,” and Roxanne Stecura recited “Sun Is Setting, Mountains Darken,” followed by the inspirational “The Moon Shines, It Shines Brightly”, recited by Ms. Olga Jacenkiw. Dressed in elaborate Ukrainian outfits, the Saint Stephen’s Choir, under the direction of Ms. Lesia Gural, sang the historic and popular Ukrainian song, “Roars and Bellows the Wide Dniepro” and” My Thoughts”. Ms. Orysia Rybachuk recited two short poems by Shevchenko, and the audience was treated to two special songs, “Requiem for Shevchenko” and “Over the Plains the Wind Blows”, sung in the Ukrainian language by Mrs. Anna Dzera and Ms. Yaroslava Kochman. Mrs. Halyna Jakubowycz presented “Taras’ Willow” in Ukrainian, and Mrs. Jessie Kociuba recited “Shevchenko’s Last Poem”. In conclusion, Gerry “Slavko” Tchir offered what our former United States President, John F. Kennedy, had to say about Shevchenko, “I am pleased to add my voice to those honoring the great Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko. We honor him for his rich contribution to the culture, not only of Ukraine, which he loved so well, and described so eloquently, but of the world. His work is a noble part of our historical heritage.”

The program ended on an especially high note with the Saint Stephen’s Choir singing “For Ukraine,” and the entire audience joining in this inspiring song. Our Taras Shevcheko Concert concluded with a delicious lunch prepared by Mrs. Irene Bortnyk.