Toronto and Paris applauded them. Bravo, "Elegy"!

This autumn will be long remembered by the students of the renowned vocal studio “Elegy" (The Elegy Studio) in Chicago, led by Svitlana Polyak. They added two more special destinations to their list of creative trips with concerts — Toronto and Paris. And now not a day goes by (or rather, it seems every minute they are still captivated by memories) without returning in thought to where everything was so incredibly beautiful, musical, friendly, impressive, and... responsible.

Indeed, responsible. After all, they were not just going on a private trip but representing the studio where they study. If you want to look and sound one hundred percent, you need to work two hundred percent — the students know this instruction from their leader well. They went to represent the beauty of the song patterns of Ukrainian Chicago, proving with their performances that our song knows no borders.

Most of them were born in America — in Ukrainian or mixed families. Their native language is English, and their usual environment has become American life, way of thinking, and traditions. But Ukrainian roots do their work: singing in Ukrainian is a great pride for them. This pride is instilled in the students by the founder and permanent leader of the "Elegy" studio, Svitlana Polyak.

When you watch these children's performances, you understand: in front of you are not just young artists. Before you is the voice of Ukraine, its memory, and its continuation in a world geographically distant from the native land but close to the Ukrainian soul. This special mission was carried out by "Elegy" during its overseas trips.

First was Canada — and the BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival, the largest Ukrainian street cultural festival in North America. It takes place annually in Bloor West Village in Toronto, from which the abbreviation BWV originates.

The founder and head of the organizing committee is Canadian Ukrainian Yuriy Klyufas, the executive director is Oksana Vasylyk.

The festival is supported by the city, its administration, local partners, and associations, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The whole country knows about it, and TV and radio broadcasts widely cover the three festival days.

The program is always rich: five stage platforms, a traditional bright parade, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, a fair of embroidered shirts and various souvenirs. The festival area turns into a small Ukraine — majestic and beautiful.

The head of the "Elegy" studio, Svitlana Polyak, says that getting to the festival was not easy: there are always many who want to perform. However, "Elegy" succeeded — for the second time. Perhaps the collective was remembered from last year. This year, the young artists once again greeted the festival audience with songs from Chicago.

Three vocal ensembles — "Melody," "Smile," and "NG" — performed on two stages, including the main one. Each song was accompanied by loud applause and shouts of "Bravo!" The audience asked for more, but the students politely refused: what is not properly rehearsed is not presented to the public. The standard must be maintained! On this issue, the studio leader and her students are categorical.

The festival featured interesting acquaintances, bright moments, and new meetings, love in the eyes of hundreds and thousands of people, a sense of unity, and unforgettable impressions. Special ones — from Toronto itself, which, according to Mrs. Svitlana, you fall in love with at first sight.

And then there was another miracle — Niagara Falls, a place where nature demonstrates its grandeur, power, and beauty. The roar of the water, transparent droplets that refresh the face with a breath of wind, a rainbow over the waterfall... And in the soul — bliss and a sense of unity with nature, which has so much purity and wisdom.

But it's time to head to Paris. Yes, to Paris — a city of refined taste, elegance, and special charm. A city where the air smells of buttery croissants for breakfast, where romance reigns, and the air is filled with love — for a specific person, for the world, for life itself. A city where you want time to stop.

It was there that the International Festival-Competition "SUPERDRIVE in PARIS 2026" took place. It was organized by the Ukrainian Association "RAZOM." The festival aims to popularize Ukrainian culture in Europe, particularly in France, to promote creative exchange and the development of art among young people and adults. Last year, the competition was held in Spain — some of the submitted photos were taken there. The performances of the contestants are evaluated by a professional jury, which includes international experts, musicians, and cultural figures.

"Superdrive" is a meeting place for talents. The "Melody" ensemble and individual performers from the "Elegy" studio went to Paris. Along with them, pianist Olga Kmet took part in the competition with her instrumental students.

"Superdrive" became a special page in the history of young artists: the competition was extremely high. And how pleasant it is that they managed to worthily present their skills! The "Melody" ensemble won the Grand Prix, and soloists Matviy Dumka, Viktoria Yahirska, Anna Andrusyak, Tereza Dinka, Ilona Zymak, and Ksenia Levkovych took first places in their age categories.

Without exaggeration, the competition was a great opportunity to present themselves to a new audience, demonstrate their art, and worthily represent the creative community of Chicago. The emotions of the participants during the announcement of the results were overwhelming: they felt incredible joy and gratitude to everyone who supports them on their creative path.

The victory of the "Elegy" students in Paris can undoubtedly be proud of by the artists themselves, their parents, and the entire Ukrainian community of Chicago. Thanks to such achievements, young performers worthily represent Ukrainian art on an international level.

And, of course, ah, Paris! How can you resist this "ah" when you are in Paris? For the first time! In a city that is the dream of millions! You walk its streets and cannot get enough of the special air. You enjoy everything you want to capture in memory: the municipal park of Anna of Kyiv, the Paris metro, the Louvre and the famous Mona Lisa, the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe.

At the top of Montmartre is the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, which translates as "Basilica of the Sacred Heart" — meaning the Heart of Christ. In the church, the angelic singing of nuns is heard. Next is a large shopping center from which you can see all of Paris. Cozy cafes with croissants and hot chocolate, warm conversations, and coveted photos near the Eiffel Tower...

"All this will truly remain in our hearts forever," sums up the impressions of her students, the head of the "Elegy" studio, Svitlana Polyak. And then she adds: imagine, the children have set a goal to return to Paris again!

I imagine and believe. After all, the participants themselves said: "We are happy. This trip became both an important creative experience and an adventure full of discoveries, delights, and unforgettable moments for us. Such trips inspire us to create even more, to dream boldly, and to believe that everything is possible in life, and dreams come true!"

Well, young friends! Dream, travel, sing — and let the whole world open its arms to Ukrainian talents! Bravo, "Elegy"!

P.S. A big thank you to the founder and leader of the vocal studio "Elegy" (The Elegy Studio) Svitlana Polyak for the incredibly great professional work with young talents (and at the same time, her daughter Vita deserves this gratitude, who works on the choreography in the presentation of songs). Thanks to the parents who support the creative development of their children. And also a big thank you to the "Samopomich" credit union, which financially helps our creative teams realize their dreams and is indispensable in the creative development of the Ukrainian diaspora in Chicago.