Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago celebrates 50th anniversary with gala concert – The Ukrainian Weekly

CHICAGO – Founded in 1971, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) marked 50 years of excellence in art exhibition and performance throughout 2021 by honoring the original vision of its founders. To mark this milestone, UIMA hosted a sold-out gala concert and fundraiser, “Sounds of Celebration” on November 6th.

In the mood of the museum’s anniversary exhibition, “Selections from the permanent collection”, the melodic atmosphere of the evening filled the galleries of the museum. Guests were treated to lyrical art from world-renowned Ukrainian singers and musicians, including Solomiya Ivakhiv, Juliana Osinchuk, Stefan Szkafarowsky and Marta Zaliznyak-Derzhko.

The concert opened with a welcome from the chair of the museum’s board of directors, Orysia Kossak-Cardoso. Mykhajlo Holian, chair of the museum’s music committee, introduced the evening’s star singers and musicians.

The event marked the return of critically acclaimed Juilliard-trained pianist and educator Ms. Osinchuk, whose dynamic performance included Vasyl Barvinsky’s six-piano ensemble “Miniatures on Ukrainian Folk Songs” as well as “Ballad of Ukraine ”and“ Complainte ”(Dumka), composed by Franz Liszt during his stay in Voronovytsia, Ukraine.

Notable defender of Ukrainian culture, violinist Ms. Ivakhiv has performed works from her soon-to-be-released album “Poems and Rhapsodies”, as well as “Poem, Op. 25” and “Poem for Violin and Piano in D Minor” by Anatol Kos-Anatolsky Her performance of Myroslav Skoryk’s “Carpathian Rhapsody” showcased Ms. Ivakhiv’s skill and passion for the melodious patterns and rhythms of the Hutsul.

Praised for his unwavering talent and ability to create exceptional characters, internationally renowned New York bassist Stefan Szkafarowsky has performed solo powerful interpretations of Ihor Sonevytsky’s “Psalm of David” and “Goddess of the Steppes” .

Opera soprano Ms. Zaliznyak-Derzhko and M. Szkafarowsky wowed audiences with “Night Magic” by Vasyl Bezkorovainy and “The Crane” by Oleksandr Bilash. A veteran of the Solomiya Khrushelnytska National Opera and Ballet Theater, Ms. Zaliznyak-Derzhko emigrated to the United States where she performed in Die Fledermaus, Pagliacci and La Bohème, among others.

The duets performed by Mr. Szkafarowsky and Ms. Zaliznyak-Derzhko included “When Lovers Part” by Mykola Lysenko. In conclusion, the two also entertained the audience with “La ci darem la mano” from “Don Giovanni” by Mozart.

UIMA was founded in 1971 by artists Konstantin Milonadis, Mychajlo Urban and benefactors Dr. Achilles and Vera Chreptowsky, who arrived in the United States after World War II amid a wave of Ukrainian emigrants fleeing German and Soviet oppression. . They believed that a place for all contemporary artistic voice forms, including those of Ukrainian artists, could fill a critical void in Chicago’s artistic landscape and could be experienced and shared with the world.

At the end of the gala concert, UIMA President Motria Melnyk thanked artists, guests, sponsors and donors, including the Heritage Foundation of 1st Security Federal Savings Bank and the Selfdependance Foundation of Selfdependence Federal Credit. Union, long-standing unwavering supporters of the UIMA. The event featured a welcome reception with wines and appetizers with artists. Readers interested in learning more about UIMA’s programming can visit the organization’s website at www.uima-chicago.org.