In Sacramento, the International Art Competition-Festival named after Ihor Bilozir took place.
In the capital of California, the International Art Competition-Festival named after Ihor Bilozir took place, bringing together talented children, youth, and adults who are passionate about Ukrainian songs, poetry, and art.
The festival was led by People's Artist of Ukraine Oksana Bilozir — a singer, public figure, and long-time guardian of the creative legacy of the outstanding Ukrainian composer Ihor Bilozir. The event was organized by Nataliya Bahmut — Honored Art Worker of Ukraine, poetess, and composer, thanks to whom the Ukrainian community in Sacramento had the opportunity to join a large-scale international art project.
Festival participants showcased their talents in various genres. Ukrainian folk and contemporary songs, poetic works, instrumental music, and original compositions were performed on stage. The competition became a platform for creative development and communication among artists of different ages, as well as an opportunity for the younger generation to feel a living connection with Ukrainian culture.
The presence of the Ukrainian community, who came to support the participants, created a special atmosphere. The hall was filled with genuine emotions, excitement, and joy for each performance. Each number was imbued with love for Ukraine, respect for its cultural heritage, and a desire to preserve Ukrainian identity far from home.
One of the festival's highlights was the performance by Oksana Bilozir. For many attendees, her songs were particularly touching, as they grew up with them. They brought listeners back to warm memories of childhood and youth, reminded them of home, and the beauty of Ukrainian songs, which continue to live in people's hearts regardless of distances.
During the festival, Oksana Bilozir shared her thoughts on the importance of preserving Ukrainian culture and national memory, especially today when Ukraine is facing the severe trials of war.
“It is through songs, poetry, and art that we pass on to children the love for Ukraine, its history, and traditions. Today, it is extremely important to preserve our cultural heritage and the memory of outstanding Ukrainian composers, poets, and artists,” the singer emphasized.
A particularly poignant part of the festival was the children's performances. Many young participants performed prayer songs for Ukraine, works by contemporary Ukrainian authors, and original compositions by their teachers. Instrumental melodies that touched the hearts of listeners and reminded them of home were performed on stage.
Many of the children who participated in the festival were born in the United States. However, their roots continue to live in the Ukrainian language, song, and family traditions. Such events help the younger generation maintain a connection with their people and the culture of their ancestors. Watching young performers in embroidered shirts confidently singing in Ukrainian, it was hard to hold back emotions. After all, it is in these children that the future of Ukrainian culture lives far beyond the homeland.
The festival became not only a creative competition but also a meeting place for Ukrainians united by common values, love for culture, and a desire to support Ukrainian art abroad. Such events are especially important today when millions of Ukrainians live in different countries around the world but continue to preserve their language, traditions, and national memory.
A particularly moving moment was the solemn awarding of the contest participants. For many children, these were their first awards and first recognition of their creativity. The joy in the eyes of young artists, excited parents, sincere hugs, and applause created the atmosphere of a true celebration. Each award became a symbol of hard work, talent, and love for Ukrainian art.
The festival concluded symbolically and in a family-like manner — with a joint performance of the legendary Ukrainian song "Pshenychne pereveslo." At that moment, the stage and the audience united in one voice, and the music became a language of unity that connected different generations of Ukrainians far from their native land.
The event once again proved that Ukrainian song, poetry, and music can unite people, inspire, and give a sense of home even thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine. As long as Ukrainian songs are sung, the memory, tradition, and indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people live on.
Photo: Slavik Iotko.
