Fågelbo teater

Fågelbo Teater is a talented Ukrainian women’s ensemble based in Stockholm, blending traditional Ukrainian music with modern arrangements and authentic vocal performances. Their concerts, which have graced events like the European Christmas concert in Stockholm, offer a unique fusion of cultural heritage, innovative sound, and heartfelt, authentic singing.

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More details about the group members:

Yanina Zelenska is a Ukrainian director, actress, singer, playwright and cultural manager, organising festivals and theatrical events, as well as a researcher of Ukrainian national heritage. In Stockholm, she founded Fågelbo Teater and directed the post-documentary play Flashes at Improvisationsteatern. Click to learn more about Yanina..

Anna Nuzha is a Ukrainian touring cellist, acting associate professor of the Department of Stringed Instruments at the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, and a lecturer at the Glier KIM. She also serves as the director of the Kyiv Chamber Ensemble (National House of Organ and Chamber Music of Ukraine) and is an Honoured Artist of Ukraine. Click to learn more about Anna..

Ira Bilyk is a Ukrainian multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, concertmaster, ensemble artist, organist and teacher. She is a member of the founder of the «IRÖ music» project. Click to learn more about Ira..

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Fågelbo teater at EU julkonsert � EU Christmas Concert 2024

video credit: EU-kommissionen i Sverige
You can find the festival program here: program.pdf

About the song

This song is the most prominent ritual folk songs, representing a late variant of Ukrainian cosmological carols. These carols explore themes related to the creation of the world, celestial bodies and the order of the universe, rooted in ancient Slavic cosmology. Over the centuries, this authentic song has been modified and adapted several times, with the earliest lyrics dating back to pre-Christian times. The song combines elements of mythological beliefs and religious symbolism, making it a powerful piece of Ukrainian cultural heritage. It is particularly significant within the context of Christmas, embodying both spiritual and agrarian traditions. Click to view a PDF-file with the concert program..

This song carries the weight of centuries of tradition. The enduring power of this carol connects generations, symbolizing not just Christmas but the continuity of life, faith, and culture. It’s a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit, enduring through both time and change.

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