“Ukrainian Spring” Festival Opens in Stockholm
The annual “Ukrainian Spring” festival has officially opened in the Swedish capital, organized by the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.
This year’s theme, “Oh, You’re Ukrainian? – Ukrainian Stars on Global Stages,” sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked contribution of Ukrainians to global cultural heritage.
Organized by the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden, this year’s edition highlights Ukrainian artists who have made significant contributions to global culture, often unrecognized due to Russian influence.
Artistic director Natalia Pasichnyk emphasized the goal of revealing Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and hidden artistic voices. A pre-concert panel explored how culture functions as both a means of identity and a tool of resistance amid war, with Ukrainian and Swedish experts discussing Russia’s long-standing efforts to erase Ukrainian culture.
The opening concert featured the Lviv Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and renowned Swedish performers presenting works by Ukrainian composers Silvestrov, Stankovych, Skoryk, and Barvinsky, as well as Gershwin and Bernstein—both of Ukrainian descent.
Audience members included wounded Ukrainian soldiers, refugee families, and volunteers. The festival coincides with Sweden’s recent announcement of over €800,000 in funding for Ukrainian cultural projects.
Founded in 2014 by Natalia Pasichnyk, the Ukrainian Institute in Sweden is a civil society organization committed to preserving and promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage in Europe. It also counters Russian disinformation by ensuring Ukraine’s presence in international cultural spaces.
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