This section is dedicated to a large-scale cultural and research initiative that reveals the special role of Kamianets-Podilskyi in the destiny of Mykola Leontovych’s world-famous masterpiece, as the city shares a unique dual connection to the history of “Shchedryk” (Carol of the Bells). For decades, the residents of Kamianets have been researching the history of this global masterpiece, exploring the work of its creator, preserving and promoting this cultural heritage, and honoring prominent Ukrainians.
The project “KAMIANETS NOTES AND WINGS OF SHCHEDRYK” was launched in 2020. It was created with the advisory support and research materials of Tina Peresunko, a researcher of the history of “Shchedryk” and Ukrainian cultural diplomacy, and founder of the Leontovych Institute. The project was initiated and authored by public educator Anatoliy Paladiychuk. The initiative is implemented by the Kamianets-Podilskyi branch of the “Prosvita” Society named after T. Shevchenko, in partnership with and with the support of Ihor Marchuk, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, the city council, public organizations, creative ensembles, local educational institutions, and the Leontovych Institute. The project aims to study and popularize the history of the Kamianets period of Mykola Leontovych, Oleksandr Koshyts, and the Ukrainian Republican Capella, the cultural diplomacy of Symon Petliura, and the global triumph of “Shchedryk”.
The word “NOTES” in the project’s title symbolizes Mykola Leontovych, the composer of the carol we all know from childhood, who studied at the Podillia Theological Seminary from 1892 to 1899. There, he studied music theory and choral singing, mastered the violin, piano, and wind instruments, began arranging folk melodies, and conducted the student choir. The word “WINGS” signifies that after evacuating from Kyiv, from February 14 to March 24, 1919, Kamianets-Podilskyi sheltered the newly formed (in January 1919) Ukrainian Republican Capella (URC). The choir held its rehearsals here, prepared for its international tour, and taught French to the choristers. It was in Kamianets that the Capella was fully finalized and included M. Leontovych’s “Shchedryk” into its repertoire. From here, the piece took flight on its triumphant journey around the world, eventually becoming one of the main melodies of the Christmas and New Year holidays worldwide.
To learn more about our activities, we invite you to visit the key sub-sections of the project:
- COMMUNITY — a space uniting researchers, local historians, artists, and like-minded people working together to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of “Shchedryk”.
- PROJECT CHRONICLE — a detailed timeline of our movement: from the initial discoveries and findings to cultural events, flashmobs, and campaigns.
- MEDIA ABOUT US — a collection of publications, reports, and reviews in the press, television, and radio highlighting the progress and achievements of our initiative.