Third Annual Ukrainian Music Competition Finalists Gala

The Ukrainian Music Competition Finalists Gala was held to a sold-out audience, filling Weill Recital Hall with an atmosphere of deep attention, pride, and emotional connection. The full house was a powerful testament to the growing interest in Ukrainian classical music and the importance of cultural presence on the world’s leading stages.

“This Gala has grown into a signature cultural moment for our community—bringing together extraordinary young musicians, esteemed educators, and award-winning performers on one world-class stage. But more than a concert, it reflects one of the cornerstone missions of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America: to promote, preserve, and elevate Ukrainian culture. At a time when Ukraine’s voice must be heard clearly and confidently, evenings like this affirm that our musical heritage is alive, powerful, and deeply resonant far beyond our community.”

Natalie Pawlenko, President, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America

The Gala opened with the State Anthem of Ukraine by Mykhailo Verbytsky, arranged and performed on piano by Pavlo Gintov, setting a deeply moving and reflective tone for the evening. What followed was a rich and thoughtfully shaped program of Ukrainian classical and contemporary works by composers including Mykola Lysenko, Myroslav Skoryk, Viktor Kosenko, Levko Revutsky, Hanna Havrylets, Andrii Didorenko, Catherine Likhuta, and many others.

Performances spanned solo and chamber works for piano, violin, cello, bandura, clarinet, percussion, and voice, featuring standout ensembles such as the Power Switch Trio and the Cal Poly Pomona Piano Ensemble. Together, these performances revealed the depth, versatility, and living continuity of Ukrainian music – honoring the past while shaping its future.

Among the evening’s memorable performances were appearances by Grand Prize winners Andrii Dorofeiev (piano) and Mondy Gottesman (cello).

In recognition of outstanding performances, three finalists received Special Audience Awards, each accompanied by a $100 monetary grant. The recipients were selected jointly by UNWLA, our generous sponsors, and the Andrii Melnyk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations.

🏅 Special Audience Award Recipients

• Alexandra Rezie, Piano — Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. 19 by Mykola Lysenko

• Alice Maria Sorochan, Piano — Toccata by Yuri Shamo

• Sofiia Stepanets, Piano — Romantic Poem by Vyacheslav Barabashov

These awards honored not only technical excellence but also the emotional depth and expressive power with which the performers brought Ukrainian music to life. For the young musicians, the recognition served as both encouragement and affirmation—an early milestone on their artistic journeys.

The Special Audience Awards underscored one of the Gala’s central messages: when Ukrainian culture is shared openly and authentically, it resonates deeply, and it inspires support, recognition, and hope for the future.

Behind the Competition stand two devoted Soyuzianky — Oksana Sorochan and Oksana Konyk. We invited them to share the story behind this initiative and reflect on why the Ukrainian Music Competition holds such deep meaning for our community today.

Q: What inspired you to create this competition?

“My inspiration came from a blend of personal heritage and a call to action,” shares Oksana Sorochan, one of the competition’s founders. “While studying in Ukraine, I fell in love with our classical repertoire. Years later, working with international competitions, I noticed something striking – Ukrainian music was almost entirely absent.”

That realization took on new urgency after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the tragic killing of conductor Yurii Kerpatenko, who was murdered for refusing to collaborate with occupying forces in Kherson.

“His sacrifice made everything snap into place. I knew I had to create a platform that motivates the next generation to perform and preserve Ukrainian music on the world stage.”

For Oksana Konyk, the motivation was equally profound:

“Ukrainian classical music carries immense power. For decades, it was suppressed and silenced by the russian regime, yet it still speaks directly to people who know nothing about Ukraine. In a time when our country is fighting for its existence, I felt a responsibility to let the world hear our culture – not explained or defended, but simply heard.”

Q: This year’s gala features composers ranging from classical masters to contemporary voices. How do you curate such a program?

“The repertoire actually emerges organically,” explains Oksana Sorochan. “Our participants and their teachers select the works themselves. Our role is to confirm that each piece is authentically by a Ukrainian composer. This approach keeps the program alive, diverse, and different every year.”

The result is a concert that is both educational and deeply emotional – one shaped by discovery, choice, and personal connection.

Q: What impact does the competition have on participants?

“We see remarkable artistic growth,” says Oksana Sorochan. “Some students have participated in all three editions. We’re even welcoming younger siblings now – a second generation.”

But the growth goes beyond technique.

“These young musicians feel purpose. They know they are bringing ‘silenced’ composers back into the light. Performing at Carnegie Hall gives them confidence, ambition, and a lifelong connection to Ukrainian culture.”

Q: The Gala is presented with the support of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York – tell us more about this collaboration. 

“When the Permanent Mission stands behind a cultural initiative, it sends a message far beyond the concert hall,” notes Oksana Konyk. “Our music becomes part of Ukraine’s voice on the global stage. Diplomats experience Ukraine not only through policy, but through living culture.”

Q: What does presenting this competition mean today, and what do you hope audiences take with them?

“At a time when Ukraine’s cultural identity is being attacked again, presenting this competition feels like opening a window others tried to board shut,” reflects Oksana Konyk. “These young musicians give voice to works that were silenced for generations.”

Oksana Sorochan adds:

“This competition is my contribution to our collective struggle for cultural survival. We honor the ‘Executed Renaissance,’ composers like Mykola Leontovych, Vasyl Barvinsky, Volodymyr Ivasiuk, and modern-day martyrs like Yurii Kerpatenko. By bringing this music to Carnegie Hall, we reclaim our history and our voice.”

“These young musicians are doing more than playing notes – they are ensuring Ukrainian culture remains prestigious, vibrant, and alive for generations to come.”

The organizing committee expresses gratitude to all sponsors of the Gala

This gala is made possible through the generous support of organizations committed to nurturing young talent and elevating Ukrainian culture.

💛 Gold Sponsors

• Ukrainian National Association, Inc. (UNA)
• Selfreliance Federal Credit Union

🤍 Silver Sponsors

• Veselka
• Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union
• Nova UA Federal Credit Union

Join Us In Support Of Young Musicians Cultivating Ukrainian Cultural Heritage!