Ukrainian Composer: How did He Become Famous in Kyiv and abroad?

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Ukrainian Composer Oleksandr Koshyts

In 1922, Oleksandr Koshyts embarked on a tour of America with his choir. It was during this tour that he first introduced his musical compositions to the public, as well as performed iconic hits from the Soviet era. For example, the world heard the classic renditions of “Shchedryk” and “Oh, Sleep Walks by the Windows…” He traveled through Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Florida, and California.

During those years, he set a world record for audience size: his concert in Mexico City drew 32,600 people. After this, the Kyiv-born composer continued to tour, visiting many other countries. In each of them, the choir performed Ukrainian folk songs as well as classical compositions, thus popularizing Ukrainian music. Thanks to them, Koshyts became famous not only in Kyiv but also in other European cities.

Over time, many of his musical works were performed by choirs and orchestras of the Kyiv Opera and Philharmonic, where residents of the capital often gathered on weekends and holidays. Some of his compositions even became popular hits abroad. Many classical music enthusiasts began to call Oleksandr Koshyts a genius of Ukrainian music. He received numerous awards and prizes, and his compositions were performed by renowned orchestras worldwide.

This initiative was an example of “people’s diplomacy” and still lives today. Now, his legacy is carried on by the women’s movement “Mothers of the World Against War and Terrorism“.

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