Popular Science Lecture for the Ukrainian Choir in Valencia (Spain)

20.2.2026

On February 17, a guest popular science lecture “Sorrow, Glory and Love. Ukrainian Song” was held for the Ukrainian Choir in Valencia (Spain).

The report was delivered by Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of History and Archeology Oleksandr Naboka.

The event was dedicated to the history of the formation of the Ukrainian musical tradition – from the most ancient ritual chants to the formation of professional musical art. The lecture participants had the opportunity to trace the evolution of Ukrainian song: from pre-Christian carols, schedrivky, vesnianky and Kupala songs to church singing of the era of Yaroslav the Wise and polyphonic traditions.

The lecturer paid special attention to the “golden age” of Ukrainian folk song of the 16th-18th centuries, when the characteristic features of the national musical style were formed, and Cossack dumas emerged as a special lyrical-epic genre. The influences of Baroque culture and the Italian style of the 17th century were considered, as well as the contribution of prominent Ukrainian composers – Mykola Lysenko, Kyrylo Stetsenko and Mykola Leontovych.

The lively interest of the audience was aroused by the discussion of the symbolism of Ukrainian songs – the image of the red viburnum as a sign of national revival, the motifs of love and loss, as well as the theme of national oppression reflected in folklore plots. In particular, the song “Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow”, which became one of the musical symbols of the Ukrainian struggle, was discussed.

The lecture took place in a warm and interested atmosphere. For the choir members, it was not only an informative meeting, but also an opportunity to more deeply understand the historical origins of Ukrainian musical heritage, which today is an important factor in preserving national identity outside of Ukraine.

Department of History and Archaeology