Taras Shevchenko Concert

On Sunday, March 6, 2011, the Ukrainian American Club of Ocean County sponsored a wonderful Concert and Luncheon honoring Ukraine’s greatest poet, Taras Shevchenko at Saint Stephen’s Church in Toms River, NJ.  Gerry Tchir, President of the UA Club and Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the audience, and thanked them for their pride in their Ukrainian heritage.  The program began with a moving Chorus presentation of “God Bless America” and “Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished.”  A memorable testimonial to Taras Shevchenko in our native Ukrainian language was delivered by Dr. Orest Popovich followed by an inspiring Opening Remarks presentation in English by John Bortnyk.  The Chorus sang the beautiful “Testament,” followed by a recitation of “Passing Days, Passing Nights,” by Roksolana Dumenko.  Mr. Bohdan Bortnyk presented “From Your Words,” and Father Oleksandr recited a passage from the poem, “Neophity.”  The Chorus then sang “Roars and Bellows the Wide Dniepro,” and Roxanne Stecura recited “The Sun is Setting, Mountains Darken.”  Oksana Dumenko followed with a recitation of “On the Corvee, I Reaped the Wheat,” and Yaroslawa Kochman and Lyuba Dashko sang “Requiem of Shevchenko.”  HalynaJakubowycz recited the beautiful “Taras Willow,” and Orysa Rubachuk recited a passage from the poem, “Katerina.”  The Chorus sang “Oh Below the Woods, the Woods,” and Ostap Jakubowycz, dressed in Kozak attire with a bandura, presented “How Taras Shevchenko Influenced My Life.”  Special Thanks were offered to Paul Brown for directing the Chorus, to Olga Tchir for preparation of the programs, flyers, and room decorations, and to Irena Bortnyk for the delicious food preparations.  This was an inspiring and beautiful event honoring the memory of Ukraine’s famous native son, Taras Shevchenko.   

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