Culture

The Ukrainian language and culture have become especially important today, as Ukraine fights for its right to independence in the war with Russia. They are an integral part of every Ukrainian’s self-determination and a guide to our will for independence and freedom.

The organizations that are part of the Association organize themed concerts, literary and chamber evenings, vocal competitions, city cultural and educational events, exhibitions, conferences, and other activities for children and adults.

Workshop for developing young talents

Groups currently active at the Association’s member organisations:

• Ukrainian song and dance ensemble “Volya” of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Estonia (Tallinn). Founder of the ensemble – Yevhenii Novokhatnii; artistic director and chief choreographer – Anastasiia Kozachok, head of the vocal group – Vitalina Musiienko, vocal teacher – Kateryna Chalova, choreography teacher – Kateryna Otchenashko

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• Dance ensemble “Kolor” (Tallinn). Artistic director – Nina Hets
• Ukrainian folk music ensemble “Dibrova” (Tallinn). Leader – Olena Duminika
• Bandura ensemble and children’s choir of the Ukrainian Sunday School “Nadija” (Tallinn). Leaders – Liudmyla Hramiak, Alla Inno-Yakymenko; choir – Karina Amirkhanian-Chervinko
• Vocal ensemble “Dzherelo” (Tallinn). Leader – Taras Muzychko
• Authentic folk singing ensemble “Rodovid” (Tallinn) – rehearses at the Association’s premises. Leader – Zinaida Vinchura
• Ensemble “Vodograi” of the Sillamäe Ukrainian community “Vodograi”. Artistic director – Svitlana Stashkevych
• Ensemble “Kalyna” of the Ukrainian society and Saturday school “Kalyna” (Valga). Artistic director – Ruslana Dovha
• Dance group “Rytm” of the Ukrainian community “Spogad” (Paide). Artistic director – Olena Mukhina
• Literary and creative club “Kryla” of the “Orpheus” society (Tapa). Leader – Liubov Laur
• Folk ensemble “Zhurba” (Tallinn) – a long-standing partner of the Association, founded back in 1992. Leader – Volodymyr Leibiuk

History: groups over the years

Over the years, other groups have also worked at the Association’s organisations. They are part of our history:

• Choir “Ukraina” of the “Prosvita” society (Tallinn) – performed on behalf of the Association at charity concerts in support of Ukraine
• Vocal ensemble “Susidky” (Tallinn; leader – Mykola Rybchenko)
• Ensembles of the “Vitchyzna” society (Pärnu): “Divchata”, “Trembita”, “Barvinok”, the children’s ensemble “Veselka” (leader – Valentyna Sutt) and the drama studio “Ridne Slovo” (leader – Nina Sushko)
• Ensembles “Rushnychok” and “Edelweiss” of the “Vodograi” community (Sillamäe; leader – Svitlana Stashkevych)
• Instrumental ensemble “Melodiia” (Paldiski; leader – Ivan Shchoholiev)
• Choir and vocal ensemble SOUL SINGERS of the art studio “Mrija” (Tallinn)
• Choir “Zhuravlyna” of the “Chervona Ruta” society (Tapa; leader – Iryna Solomatina)
• Duos “Vesna”, “Light and Shadows” (Mykola and Raisa Rybchenko) and “Lileia”, the music theatre “Solo”

The Association also works with partner groups who perform at our festivals: “Karamel”, “Barvinok” (Rakvere), “Kalyna” (Narva), “Malvy” (Kohtla-Järve), “Sviata Vatra” and others.

Soloists and musicians

Over the years, dozens of performers have appeared on the Association’s stage – both regular participants in our programmes and guests. This list is based on publications on our website; it is not a list of staff artists.

Regular participants in the Association’s programmes: Viacheslav Reznichenko (vocalist, host), Iryna Solomatina, Nadiia Samorukova, Liudmyla Marych (singer, bandura player), Liudmyla Zheludova, Liudmyla Hramiak (bandura player, teacher), Olena Duminika (domra player, singer, conductor), Liudmyla Odes (pianist), Yana Balakina (vocalist, teacher).

New names at the “Northern Star – 2022” festival: Liliia Palinkash, Tetiana Tokarieva, Tetiana Kolii and Kateryna Volkodav, Petro and Sofiia Kovalevskyi.

smART fest 2026: Kateryna Solokha, Yuliia Zhukova, Di Yurii; guest headliner – Natalka Karpa.

Participants in programmes over the years: Lev Lipkin (Sillamäe), Yevhen Hetmantsev, Valentyna Peshkolva and Tamara Fedorovska (music theatre “Solo”), Petro Zotovych, Oleksandr Dubrovskyi, Olesia Udras and Kristina Rahulina (club “Kryla”), Ruslan Trochynskyi, Mariia Kondratieva, Pavlo Balakin, Roman Chervinko, Yana Boiko, Karyna Amirkhanian, Andrii Bohach, Kseniia Kuchukova, Edi Zakharova, Elina Nechaieva, Olena Brazhnyk, Olesia Litnievska, Tetiana Hudym, Olha Zaitseva, Liubov Prokopenko (LEONA).

Friends and guests of the Association: Mati Palm, Anne Veski, Pille Lill, Silvi Vrait, Mart Kroon, Indrek Jurtšenko, Aleksander Arder, Jüri Aarma, Jüri Homenja, Diana Klass, Anna Kurylenko, Sviatoslav Boiko (band “Shyrokyi Lan”).

If you have performed with the Association and would like to update your details, write to us: info@ukraine.ee.

A major achievement of the Association in developing Ukrainian culture in Estonia is the organization of the annual International Festival of Children’s and Youth Creativity "Flowers of Ukraine" since 2001, and the Creativity Festival "Northern Star" since 2002. In 2023, in cooperation with the Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum), the Association launched the Ethno Festival "Vyshyvanka Unites / Rahvustikandi Päev" for World Vyshyvanka Day.

Learn more about Ukrainian festivals in Estonia