Ukraine has a long and vibrant tradition of Christmas carols, whose melodies and meaning – now, more than ever – hold an important place in the hearts of the country’s people. Some carols date back centuries and cover a wide variety of themes, but they are united by a common thread – an appreciation of the beauties of heaven and earth, and the coming of the Saviour. The Ukrainian violin virtuoso Solomiya Ivakhiv is the soloist in Bohdan Kryvopust’s imaginative arrangements, which bring out the variety and beauty of the carols. Kryvopust’s own Fantasia is a delightful festive montage.

Composer and arranger Bohdan Kryvopust has had compositions performed by Ukrainian and international ensembles. In 2021 he won First Prize in the Ukrainian Concert Overture competition in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s renewed independence.

Violin soloist Solomiya Ivakhiv was named Honoured (Merited) Artist of Ukraine, the country’s highest cultural honour, in 2021.

Conductor Serhii Khorovets has served as the conductor of the Lviv National Philharmonic Academic Symphony Orchestra since 2019.