On March 1, 2026, UNWLA Branch 125 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable evening at the Ukrainian National Home in New York. Organized and hosted by the branch, the event brought together members of the UNWLA New York Regional Council, community guests, and Soyuzianky from other branches across New York City to celebrate the milestone.
1 березня 2026 року 125-й Відділ СУА відзначив свій 25-річний ювілей пам’ятним святковим вечором в Українському Народному Домі в Нью-Йорку. Захід, організований і проведений відділом, зібрав членкинь Округи Нью-Йорк СУА, гостей громади та союзянок з інших відділів по всьому Нью-Йорку, які прийшли разом відзначити цю важливу подію.
Event invitation
The evening became a heartfelt tribute to women’s unity, friendship, creativity, and spiritual strength. Named in honor of the legendary Ukrainian opera diva Solomia Krushelnytska, Branch 125 dedicated the artistic program to the life and legacy of the world-renowned singer, whose extraordinary voice and international career made her one of the most celebrated opera performers of the early 20th century.
A highlight of the evening was the emotional performance of opera arias by UNWLA member Alla Rodina, whose masterful interpretation captivated the audience. Guests were also delighted by the beautiful singing of the New York Regional Council Women’s Choir.
Solomia Krushelnytska (1872–1952) was one of the most celebrated opera singers of the early 20th century and a cultural icon of Ukraine. Born in the Ternopil region, she rose to international fame through performances on the world’s leading opera stages, including in Milan, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Warsaw. Renowned for her powerful voice, musical intelligence, and dramatic artistry, Krushelnytska performed more than 60 major operatic roles and played a pivotal role in rescuing Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly after its failed premiere in 1904, turning it into one of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire. Throughout her career she proudly represented Ukrainian culture abroad, and after retiring from the stage she returned to Lviv, where she devoted herself to teaching and nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Alla Rodina, New York Regional Council Women’s Choir, Olha Borynets
New York Regional Council Women’s Choir
Soyuzianky Br 125 and NY RC
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the live creation of a portrait of Solomia Krushelnytska by artist Olha Borynets. The artwork will now adorn the Regional Council’s Home, serving as a lasting reminder of the greatness of Ukrainian women’s voices and the enduring power of artistic spirit.
Olha Borynets posing with the portrait
Olga Borynets creating portrait of Solomia Krushelnytska
Together, Soyuzianky celebrated not only the anniversary of Branch 125, but also the shared values of sisterhood, cultural preservation, and community service that unite UNWLA members across generations.
images from NYC Regional Council Facebook page
