By Light to Light: How Valeriia Vovk Brings Ukrainian Music to America

In a cozy hall, where the native language sounds and the breath of Ukraine is felt, the first chords of “Chervona Ruta” resound. The audience recognizes the melody from the first notes, and a wave of nostalgia sweeps through the hall. On the stage is Valeria Vovk, a fragile but strong-spirited woman from Odesa who travels around America with Ukrainian songs, mixing Ukrainian music with contemporary American folk to support her native country through music.

She sings not just notes — she sings memories. Her tour, dedicated to Volodymyr Ivasyuk, has become a kind of journey into the heart of Ukrainian culture and, at the same time, a charitable mission. Behind each song is a fundraiser for Ukraine, for those who are on the front lines today.

From Odessa to Boston: music that knows no borders

“I'm from Odessa. I've been involved in music for as long as I can remember,” says Valeria. Her journey began at the legendary Stolyarchuk Lyceum. Then came Singapore, where her family lived because of her father's work, high school, and then studies at one of the world's most prestigious music colleges, Berklee College of Music in Boston.

“During the pandemic, I spent some time at home and returned to the United States shortly before the full-scale war began. Since t

hen, I have been looking for ways to support Ukraine. I realized that the most valuable thing I can give is music.”

At first, Valeria joined local protests in Boston, took an active part in organizing events and concerts, and in 2023, she joined the Cultural Assault tour of America, to which she was invited by Mykola Serga. In 2024, Valeria became an ambassador for the charity organization TYHO in Ukraine and began organizing her own charity tours to raise funds to support the army.

Ivasyuk, who came to life among us

“The song ”Among Us“ became a source of inspiration for me. I was captivated by its melodiousness and how timely it sounded in its watercolor version. And later, I began to discover Ivasyuk, his music, and his history more deeply.”

This interest grew into a large-scale project. Valeria reread the memoirs of Mykhailo Ivasiuk, the composer's father, studied dozens of songs, and created a program in which each composition tells the story of Ivasiuk's life, from childhood to his tragic death.

“I was captivated by the folk character of his melodies. They are simple but incredibly profound. They embody the Ukrainian soul. At the same time, they sound so modern, as if they were written yesterday. I wanted Americans to hear this music and feel its energy—bright, youthful, authentic.”

Valeria's concerts featured “Fairy Tale of the Mountains,” “Cranes,” “Echo of Your Steps,” “I Will Go to the Distant Mountains,” “Red Rue,” “Fountain,” and others. She carefully constructed the program “along the lines of Ivasyuk's life,” and between songs she told the audience stories she had read in his father's memoirs.

“This is not just a concert. It is a shared experience of history. Yes, there is tragedy, but I want people to leave inspired, with faith that everything will be fine.”

Music that brings victory

Ivasyuk's tour had another mission — a charitable one. During this tour, Valeria and her team raised $23,000 through ticket sales, merchandise, and, of course, charitable donations. The funds were transferred to Ukraine through the charity organization Tycho, founded by Andriy Lyman. The fundraiser was called “Follow the Light” — just like the song Valeria recorded with her fellow musicians.

“We raised money for cars, drones, and ammunition. I publish reports on my page so that people can see that their help is really getting to where it's needed.”

Interestingly, Valeria's acquaintance with the Ticho initiative happened by accident — “through the universe,” as she says. Andriy Lyman tried to write to her on social media, but his messages didn't get through for a long time. Eventually, they met through other artists, and soon Valeria became Ticho's ambassador in the US.

New tour: retro songs and Ukrainian energy

Finally, Valeria embarked on another tour of America, this time accompanied by another Ukrainian singer (special guest). The program looks quite different: light, energetic, and filled with Ukrainian retro hits.

“We wanted to put on a concert where people could sing and dance. So that people could just breathe out, let loose. Because we all really need that right now,” says the singer.

The tour started in Cleveland, then moved on to Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Orlando, and Charlotte. In every city, there were sold-out shows, heartfelt hugs after concerts, and new donations for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Despite the fatigue and long journeys, Valeria smiles:

“It's incredible when you see people crying, laughing, singing along with you. When even Americans come up and say, ‘We didn't understand the words, but we felt the emotion. ’ That's the meaning of music.”

The dream of returning

Today, Valeria continues to perform in the US, but admits that all her thoughts are about home.

“I dream of being in Ukraine. Just being there. To smell my homeland, see my family, touch the land that gave me my voice and inspiration. And, of course, to sing for our people at home.”

After that, she plans to return to songwriting. She already has several new songs and one ambitious project that will show American audiences how rich Ukraine's musical heritage is.

“We had fantastic composers — Myroslav Skoryk, the Veseli Skrypky ensemble. Their works convey a spirit of freedom, even in times when freedom could not be spoken of openly. I want Americans to hear this jazz undertone in our history.”

Music that keeps the light alive

Valeria Vovk is one of those artists who convey not only song, but also meaning. Her concerts are not just performances, they are encounters with Ukraine as it is: alive, bright, unbreakable.

"I dream of the end of the war and Ukraine's victory. And I believe that our joint contribution — even through music — brings that day closer," says Valeria.

And perhaps this is where her strength lies — in her ability to sing about pain, but give people faith.

Faith that after every darkness, light will surely come.

Support the cause by donating to TYHO, a charity organization:

PayPal: Stoik.project@gmail.com