A Historic Night of Unity, Art, and National Resilience: “We Are Ukrainians” Stirs Washington with Culture and Courage

On the evening of March 28, 2024, the Eisenhower Theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors to an event that will be remembered as a defining cultural moment in Ukraine’s wartime history. The concert “We Are Ukrainians”, organized by the Peace Committee of Ukraine, brought together more than 2,500 people for a deeply moving musical tribute dedicated to the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. invasion of Ukraine.

The program was curated to express gratitude to the American people for their steadfast support of Ukraine, and to share with them the living spirit of a people who remain unbroken in the face of war. The event stood as a powerful cultural tribute to Ukraine’s resilience, an expression of national gratitude, and a unifying experience that moved the audience and culminated in sustained standing ovations.

As the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, the audience was transported into the depth and color of Ukrainian history — told not through speeches or documents, but through song, movement, and ritual.

At the heart of the performance was the legendary National Honored Academic Folk Choir of Ukraine named after Hryhoriy Veryovka — one of Ukraine’s most celebrated cultural institutions, whose roots stretch back to 1943 and whose artistry has inspired audiences across continents. The total numbers of artists at the National Choir consists of 158 people.

Under the artistic direction of Igor Kuryliv and Oleg Pylyp, the ensemble presented a stirring repertoire of traditional Ukrainian folk songs, ritual music, historical ballads, and powerful orchestral pieces, accompanied by vibrant choreography and evocative multimedia visuals. The audience was captivated not only by the precision of the choreography and the virtuosity of the choir, but by the sheer emotional range the performers brought to the stage.

The presence of Eurovision star Mika Newton added an additional layer of recognition and emotional resonance to the evening. Her performance, seamlessly woven into the program, electrified the theater. Newton’s voice soared through the hall in a powerful musical tribute that honored Ukraine’s resilience and celebrated the unbreakable hope of its people.

Julia Gershun, founder and president of the Peace Committee of Ukraine, served as the artistic visionary behind the project. She addressed the audience with heartfelt gratitude to the American people and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to dignity, peace, and the unifying power of culture. Her presence added emotional depth and clarity of purpose to the evening.

The “We Are Ukrainians” concert was made possible thanks to a powerful network of allies, partners, and institutions who believe in the unifying strength of culture and the urgency of international solidarity. Among the key supporters were the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, and respected organizations such as the Ukrainian World Congress, Meest America, Dignitas Ukraine Inc., CEO Club, and Art Saving Lives.

Proceeds from the event are directed to support SUPERHUMANS — a world-class Ukrainian center providing prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological care for war veterans and civilians affected by Russia’s aggression.

Through every note sung, every step danced, and every tear shed in the audience, the “We Are Ukrainians” concert affirmed a simple truth: that Ukraine’s cultural voice is strong, sovereign, and deeply human. It is a voice that transcends borders — and it will not be silenced.