Third Ukrainian Music Competition Finalists Gala: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistry
On January 16, 2026, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), in partnership with the Young Performers Foundation, will present the Third Ukrainian Music Competition Finalists Gala at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
This annual gala has become a signature cultural event—bringing together exceptional young musicians, distinguished educators and judges, and the Grand Prize winners of the 2025 Chamber Music Competition on one world-class stage. More than a concert, the evening is a celebration of Ukrainian musical heritage, artistic excellence, and cultural continuity at a time when Ukraine’s voice must be heard clearly and confidently.
Music as Memory, Music as Mission
The evening opens with the State Anthem of Ukraine by Mykhailo Verbytsky, arranged and performed on piano by Dr. Pavlo Gintov, setting a powerful and reflective tone. What follows is a rich, carefully 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 span 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, they reveal the depth, versatility, and living continuity of Ukrainian music—past, present, and future.
Meet some of the performers of the Gala
Andrii Dorofeiev – Grand Prize, Piano
Mondy Gottesman - Grand Prize, Cello
Anna Nakonechna - voice
Power Switch Trio
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?
Oksana Sorochan at the Ukrainian Music Competition, Dec 2025
“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.”
Oksana Konyk
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.”
Second tour of the Ukrainian Music Competition, 2025
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.”
Serhii Kyslytsia, former head of Permanent Mission of Ukraine to UN opening UMCFG-2025
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
