In Memory of a Great Composer

In Memory of a Great Composer

On the occasion of the 143rd anniversary of the birth of Kyrylo Hryhorovych Stetsenko (May 24, 1882 – April 29, 1922) — a Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, musician, public figure, and priest — a series of events was held at the composer’s memorial museum in the village of Kvitky.

For students in grades 1–4 of the Kvitky Lyceum, a thematic tour titled “The Composer’s Childhood Years” was organized; for students in grades 7–8, a tour called “The Creative Path of a Hometown Composer” was held; and for the adult residents of the village, an art hour titled “The Spiritual Legacy of K.H. Stetsenko” took place.

During the art hour, attendees listened to several of the composer’s sacred works: “Mercy of Peace”, “Bless the Lord, O My Soul”, and the gem of Ukrainian sacred music — “Requiem”. These and other sacred pieces by Kyrylo Hryhorovych were under strict prohibition until the 1990s and made a lasting impression on the audience.

Guests were also intrigued by the story of K.H. Stetsenko — the priest, composer of sacred music, and advocate for the establishment of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.