An Evening of Hearts & Hustkas
February is the month of love and hearts were bursting following the sold-out performance of Hearts & Hustkas at Langham Court Theatre on February 17 – and what a night!
After a welcome by Langham president, Wayne Yercha, board member, Katlia Lafferty, gave a beautiful territorial acknowledgement and was then joined by her co-host for the evening, Diana Budiachenko, a newcomer from Odessa, Ukraine.
They talked about the significance of the hustka (traditional Ukrainian scarf) and its strong historical connection between the Ukrainian people and the First Nations – then guided the audience through an unforgettable event that filled hearts and raised funds to benefit Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Society (HUVI). HUVI is a volunteer organization that has assisted nearly 1000 Ukrainians (mostly women and children) who have relocated to Vancouver Island after fleeing the trauma and dangers of the war in Ukraine.
This special evening included rousing performances from various age groups of the Veselka Ukrainian Dancers – a vibrant part of Victoria’s cultural scene for 50 years.
Ballet Victoria performed a breathtaking piece from their upcoming, Amadeus Ballet. And in the second act, the audience was treated to three delightful musical theatre pieces from Ballet Victoria’s popular, Ballet Off Broadway.
After intermission, our lovely co-hosts got into the act, coming back on stage in glamorous outfits they had put together in Langham’s Costume Loft – much to the delight of the audience!
Diana Budiachenko and
Langham Board Member Katlia Lafferty
Music is a universal language and although the songs were sung in Ukrainian, there was no mistaking the message. Newcomer, Sofiia Yarema, with her family still in Ukraine, sang a sad and haunting folk song from her homeland, while the LUNA Ukrainian Ensemble offered beautiful harmonies and the Kalyna Ukrainian Choir sang a stirring song that has become the rallying cry of Ukraine (and was recently recorded by Pink Floyd as a show of solidarity – their first newly recorded song in 28 years).
The event continued with smooth and soulful jazz from saxophonist Anton Serdiuk and trumpeter Eldar Talipov, while violin virtuoso Tatiana Kostour and pianist Iryna Graifer performed moving classical instrumentals.
With song and story-telling, Christine Chepyha introduced the audience to the evocative and lyrical music of the bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument.
Christine Chepypha
The evening featured colourful costumes, virtuoso musical numbers, folk songs steeped in history, and beautiful and lively dance performances, but it was the haunting performance of Lado Strings that was the heartbreaker. Performing on a darkened stage, the married violin duo of Julia and Borys let the pictures tell the story. Beautiful images of sweeping wheat fields, historic architecture, picturesque cities and villages, as seen through a young girl’s eyes, were followed by scenes of the war-torn country. It was a heart-wrenching reminder of the pain that Ukrainians continue to endure. You can view their performance at this link.
Lado Strings
When the performance concluded, after an extended standing ovation, the audience moved to the lounge to enjoy an abundance of Ukrainian-themed canapes, generously provided by the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium, along with delicious sweets baked by the Ukrainian community. And, who will ever forget the spontaneous and rousing rendition of Ukraine’s national anthem in the lounge? The love and pride displayed by Ukrainians for their country, and the strength and determination to keep moving forward, was truly inspirational and resonated with everyone in attendance. Powerful, poignant, and emotional were among some of the many appreciative comments from audience members.
THANK YOU to the amazing performers who so generously contributed their time and talents, and to all the dedicated volunteers who have worked so hard to bring this event to life. Special appreciation to our co-hosts, Katlia Lafferty and Diana Budiachenko, photographer Vadym Graifer, and to the organizing committee: Pati-Ann Lawe, Alice Bacon, Nancie Hall, Kathy Macovichuk, Dick Newson, Hilary Allan, Jason King, Marilyn Kuss and Wayne Yercha.
TOGETHER, WE HAVE RAISED $15,000 through ticket sales, donations and the silent auction, of which 100% will go to benefit HUVI!
With 40 newcomers arriving on Vancouver Island every week, the need is greater than ever! You can make your donation at this link.
Photos Credit: Vadym Graifer
