Eighth Bouquet Kyiv Stage High Art Festival Kicks Off in Kyiv: A Symbol of Unity and Cultural Revival of Ukraine
In the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, the long-awaited official opening of the eighth annual high art festival, «Bouquet Kyiv Stage», took place.
The grand cultural event was hosted at the National Preserve «Saint Sophia’s Cathedral», one of the country’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.
Over four days, visitors from across Ukraine and the world will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse artistic program that includes concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, film screenings, public discussions, master classes for children, interactive tours, and much more.This year’s theme — «The Heart of Europe Beats in Ukraine» — reflects the festival’s goal to emphasize the importance of cultural diplomacy, unity, and cooperation amidst contemporary challenges.
The program features more than forty events that harmoniously combine various genres: from classical music and jazz to modern theater and contemporary art.International participants include Norwegian musicians Eystein Sevog and Lakkie Patey, Polish virtuoso pianist Mateusz Krijzowski, Georgian conductor and composer Nikolos Rachveli, Polish conductor Vincent Kozlowski, and Israeli jazz ensemble Amit Friedman Quartet, creating a vibrant global atmosphere.
Ukrainian artists, such as the «Kyiv» Chamber Choir, «Kyivska Kamenata» ensemble, and Liatoshynsky Capella Orchestra, demonstrate a high level of performance skill.The festival opening featured the premiere of composer Roman Hryhoriiv’s choral work «Manifest», performed by the «Kyiv» Chamber Choir conducted by Mykola Hodbich and the «Kyivska Kamenata» ensemble.
An important part of the program is dedicated to works by Ukrainian composers repressed or rarely known — aimed at preserving their cultural legacy.A special segment, «Liberated Music», presents compositions of artists who faced persecution and are now returning to the stage in a new light.
These include pieces by Vasyl Barvinsky, Pavlo Senechka, and Kostiantyn Shypovych, interpreted by renowned conductor Kateryna Nikolenko.Organizers highlight that the festival promotes intercultural dialogue and engages audiences of all ages.
Events include children’s workshops, interactive tours with musical accompaniment, «Conversations under the Ash Tree» sessions, modern Ukrainian and European cinema screenings, and exhibitions of photographers and artists.
The festival symbolizes Ukraine’s cultural resilience amid war, emphasizing that as long as the heart of Ukraine beats, the European civilizational spirit remains alive.Festival co-founder Iryna Budanska stated: «When we speak of European civilization, we primarily mean democratic and universal human values — the heart that sustains it.
Today, this heart beats in Ukraine, which acts as a frontline in the existential battle between two worlds: civilization and barbarism, democracy and dictatorship, light and darkness.
This heart is wounded, bleeding, but it continues to live, passionately and genuinely.
As long as Ukraine’s heart beats, the European idea persists and advances.»