🫶 “PERSHOTSVIT” has been performing Cossack songs for 40 years!!!
Recently, we congratulated the folk amateur ensemble “Pershotsvit” from the village of Kocherezhky in the Pavlohrad region on this remarkable milestone.
“Pershotsvit” is a true ambassador of Cossack culture in the region and across the country. The ensemble performs more than 20 Cossack songs of the Dnipropetrovsk region 🎶 and is one of three groups highlighted in the nomination dossier of the element “Cossack Songs of Dnipropetrovsk Region”, which UNESCO has included in the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.
Throughout its history, the ensemble’s members have been and continue to be residents of Kocherezhky. The ensemble is not only a musical group but also a living connection to the past. The Cossack songs and rituals performed by “Pershotsvit” reflect the spirit, history, and culture of our people.
Talented, determined, delicate, and deeply devoted to Cossack songs — these are the ensemble members. Over 40 years, the group has performed on various stages, won the hearts of folk music lovers, and earned numerous festival and competition awards.
“Cossack songs of the Dnipropetrovsk region are a spiritual link that connects our present with the heroic past of our land. And “Pershotsvit,” thanks to the people who support it and sing in it, serves as the guardian of memory of our Cossack heritage,” — says Liliia Hyrenko, Head of NGO “WOMEN plus.”
“Pershotsvit” is well-known and loved, thanks to the people who founded it and those who continue to support it today:
☑️ Volodymyr Kravchenko — the ensemble’s long-standing director, leading it from the very first song to the present
☑️ Maria Ivanivna Pilchonok — the oldest member, dedicated over 40 years to the ensemble
☑️ Maria Pylypivna Oliinyk — member of the ensemble since 2008
☑️ Nataliya Petrivna Kravchenko — active member and co-founder, co-organizer of the ensemble’s participation in cultural and creative projects
☑️ Liudmyla Ivanivna Miasoied and Liubov Ivanivna Shulhan — have been singing in the ensemble for more than 13 years
Special thanks to:
Vitalii Kryvoshei, Head of Verbkivska village territorial community
Tetiana Mishusta, Head of the Department of Education, Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports of the Verbkivska village council
Yurii Polomarenko, Head of the Kocherezhky village district
…for supporting the ensemble’s activities, believing in people, and showing love for folk traditions and Cossack songs.
More photos at the link:
