The Magic of Ukrainian Christmas: Carols, Traditions & Folk Songs with Inna Kovtun

Discover the magic behind the music! Many of us know and love Carol of the Bells, but did you know that its roots lie in Shchedryk, a traditional Ukrainian New Year's song arranged by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych? And that's just the beginning. Ukraine is home to one of Europe's richest and most remarkable living folk song traditions, with thousands of songs passed down through generations, extraordinary vocal harmonies, and musical traditions found nowhere else. Join us for a magical evening with Inna Kovtun - Master of Music, ethnomusicologist, folklorist, and traditional vocalist - and discover the enchanting world of Ukrainian Christmas carols (Koliadky), New Year's songs (Shchedrivky), and centuries-old winter traditions.

This is much more than a concert! You'll be invited into an immersive musical and theatrical experience, where ancient songs, stories, and traditions come to life. What awaits you? Breathtaking traditional Ukrainian songs and extraordinary multipart harmonies. A glimpse into the magic of ancient winter rituals and festive traditions. A small theatrical journey into the world of Ukrainian folklore. An opportunity to sing along and experience traditional customs firsthand. Traditional Ukrainian folk dances - and perhaps even a chance to join in! Whether you're familiar with Ukrainian culture or discovering it for the first time, this evening will offer something truly special. Come listen, sing, dance, and experience the beauty and magic of Ukrainian winter traditions!

Ukrainian folk singer Inna Kovtun is an ethnomusicologist and folklorist from Kyiv, Ukraine. Inna has collected over 1,000 authentic Ukrainian, Moldavian, Bulgarian, and Tatar songs through her research expeditions and served as artistic director of premier ensembles including Rozhanytsia and Kalyna.
Following the start of the war in Ukraine, Inna relocated to the US where she performs and teaches nationwide in cities including New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and New Orleans. Now based in Portland, Oregon , she has been inducted as an artist with the Oregon Folklife Network and selected as a 2025 Taproot Artist Fellow, recognizing her as an accomplished traditional artist and culture bearer in the United States.