Lviv Music Festival «Chervona Ruta-2025»: Laureates Announced and New Ideas for Ukraine’s Cultural Future
On September 21, in Lviv, the grand final of the national music festival «Chervona Ruta-2025» took place, marking one of the most significant cultural events in Ukraine this year.
Bringing together over 700 participants from all across the country, the festival showcased the vibrant talents and patriotic spirit of Ukraine’s youth.
According to organizers, 710 young singers, bands, and musicians competed in various categories, including solo singing, ensemble, ceremonial, instrumental, and modern popular music — encompassing acoustic, dance, and rock genres.
A notable innovation this year was the introduction of preliminary selections among Ukrainian performers residing in Poland and the United Kingdom, who were invited to perform in the final concerts held in Lviv.
Festival director Myroslav Melnyk emphasized that «Chervona Ruta» is not merely a platform for young talents but a vital component of Ukraine’s cultural landscape, with 90% of the country’s current music scene originating from alumni of this event.
Melnyk highlighted that participants are not just engaged in artistry but also serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Ukrainian identity internationally.
An integral aspect of this year’s festival was collaboration with the resistance movement of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and groups like «Pyrig i Batyh», supporting efforts of the SSO resistance.
Melnyk stressed that «Chervona Ruta» embodies purity, victory, and unity — a symbol of resilience and hope.
This year’s event also underscores solidarity with those in occupied territories and diaspora communities, emphasizing that the festival unites Ukrainians both within the country and beyond borders.
The event’s strategic partnership with the SSO Resistance Movement has reinforced its symbolic importance amid ongoing conflicts.
Anatolii Kalenichenko, artistic director of the festival, noted that combating foreign music influences in Ukraine requires a mix of incentives and deterrents — a strategy to safeguard national culture.
Overall, «Chervona Ruta-2025» serves as a beacon of hope, cultural rebirth, and national unity, inspiring the next generation to continue defending Ukraine’s identity and future.