The University of Pittsburgh hosted a fantastic concert by
the visiting Ukrainian cultural troop, Cultural Forces of Ukraine. Folk,
classical, and popular music performed by Ukrainian musicians and veterans
filled the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium.
Director, Mykolay SERGA, stated:
“We came to the United States to conduct cultural diplomacy,
depict the conflict through a cultural lens, and highlight the people who
fought and how it affected them. All of the participants have had battle
experience and sustained significant injuries.”
Mukolaj continued: “For example,
· Yuriy Ivaskevych, a solo vocalist from the beginning of the
war, volunteered to join the city's technical defense. He lost his leg during
last year's counterattack.
· Olha Rukavishnikova is a violin player who lost her eye
· Taras Stollar, a bandura player, was wounded during
the explosion, so we proposed that he go on a cultural tour immediately.