The new initiative of the Shevchenko Prize Committee is meant to propagate laureates and their creative attainments worthily representing Ukrainian culture. Also, the concert was announced as a charitable event, as all of the performers decided to participate free of charge, transferring the proceeds as the first contribution to the newly established Twenty- First Century Shevchenko Foundation. Also, support is planned for the committee’s other extracurricular project: publishing series of books by laureates of past decades, now almost forgotten, organizing their exhibits, etc. At press time, however, The Day could not learn the exact amount of the proceeds or the number of tickets sold (at the reasonable by current standards price of 5-20 hryvnias). Most sources described it as modest.
The audience proved disciplined (except for the last couple of noisy rows). The concert began with a ten minute delay, until Vice Premier Volodymyr Semynozhenko made his appearance. The numbers followed at the rate of a rock video, but not fast enough to deny one a pleasant memory. The professional level is hardly necessary to discuss, because it had been repeatedly reaffirmed, by numerous prestigious titles, victories, and prizes. Under the circumstances, refined technique was not as important as the performer’s sincere dedication. And the performers were generous with sincere emotions, among them the Dumka Academic Choir, Maiboroda Bandurist Orchestra and Choir, Virsky Dance Ensemble, Veriovka Ukrainian Folk Choir, National Meritorious Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, National Folk Instrumental Orchestra of Ukraine, Kyiv Soloists Chamber Orchestra, along with People’s Artists O. Basystiuk, V. Hryshko, V. Zinkevych, N. Matviyenko, R. Maiboroda, and M. Stefyuk.
People on the committee say they were not sure at first that they would have enough experience to stage the event. Afterward, they realized that they could and should keep up the good work. In fact, they are confident that participating in other such concerts will be a matter of honor. The concert was recorded on video and Ukrainian audiences will soon watch it on UT-1. During the concert, the side screens onstage left one with a strange impression. The image they generated was like that of the $200 WEB camera, with the “digital” faces falling into color fragments, no light and shadow balance, and lack of elementary focus. Incidentally, how much did the palace’s repair cost? Ninety million hryvnias? Well, this has nothing to do with the laureates or the committee.
The Shevchenko Prize Committee sees its next task in publishing books by previous laureates. Pavlo Zahrebelny has agreed to chair the publishing council. The volumes are expected to appear this fall. Financing the fund is the problem, as usual. So far, there is little money available, yet there are “interested sponsors.” Does this mean that our businessmen have reached the level of awareness of national culture being not something of minor importance but a reflection of civic dignity?... During the concert, a portrait of Shevchenko hung in the middle over the stage. I cannot fathom why but every time I look at his portrait, where he is with his mustache and classic high temple, I see a reproach in his eyes. It is this poet, rather than a young Casanova with rich sideburns, that the Ukrainian favor. The laureates’ celebration had a festive atmosphere, but why did Taras look so sad?
