Shadows of Kupala: folklore that sounds new
On June 18, 2026, at 19:00 in the S. Lyudkevych Concert Hall in Lviv, "Shadows of Kupala" will take place — a concert where Hordiy Starukh, the Academic Chamber Orchestra "Virtuosos of Lviv," and conductor Volodymyr Syvohip have gathered Kupala, Rusalki, Kustovi, and other ritual songs in a new orchestral sound. This event is for those who love Ukrainian tradition not as a museum exhibit, but as living, strong, and slightly mystical music that one wants to listen to in a hall, rather than from a recording.
The concert is officially announced as live sound, so presence is crucial: the hurdy-gurdy, voice, and string orchestra will work as one big dramatic wave. If you enjoy evenings with the atmosphere of ritual, folk song, and chamber stage without unnecessary pathos, this is a very fitting option to start the summer season.
About the event
"Shadows of Kupala" is a concert program dedicated to one of the oldest ritual holidays — Kupala. On stage are Hordiy Starukh, who sings and plays the hurdy-gurdy, the Academic Chamber Orchestra "Virtuosos of Lviv," and conductor Volodymyr Syvohip. The event is scheduled for June 18, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30, with the concert duration listed as 90 minutes.
The presentation here is not academically sterile, but lively and vivid: the author’s arrangements by Hordiy Starukh unfold into orchestral arrangements by Volodymyr Pasichnyk, so that the folk material sounds larger and deeper. The program promises Kupala, Rusalki, Kustovi, and other ritual songs, meaning this is not just a "concert of folklore," but an attempt to showcase the mystical side of Ukrainian tradition.
Plot and mood
There is no plot in the theatrical sense here, but there is a clear emotional arc: from ritual song to almost magical sound, from chamber voice to large orchestral volume. That’s why "Shadows of Kupala" may appeal even to those who don’t often attend folklore programs but love when familiar material is revealed unexpectedly.
Imagine an evening where tradition does not explain itself with words, but works through timbre, rhythm, and live stage energy. This is a concert for attentive listening, but without dryness: here, judging by the description, there should be both internal tension and beauty, and that rare feeling when folk music sounds modern without losing its roots.
Production
The main strength of this event lies in the performers. Hordiy Starukh is responsible for vocals and the hurdy-gurdy, and this combination usually creates a very recognizable, slightly ancient yet absolutely lively timbre. The "Virtuosos of Lviv" orchestra adds a multi-layered string texture, while Volodymyr Syvohip stands at the podium as conductor.
It is particularly interesting that the description emphasizes: Starukh's authorial arrangements are expanded to the scale of the orchestra in arrangements by Volodymyr Pasichnyk. This means that it is not just about simple "amplification" of the folk song, but about a full-fledged stage interpretation where the folk foundation receives a new symphonic perspective.
How to get there, duration, and intermissions
The concert will take place at the S. Lyudkevych Concert Hall located at 7 Chaykovskoho St., Lviv. This is the central part of the city, so it is convenient to walk to the hall from the historic center or take public transport if you are already planning an evening in this part of Lviv.
The officially stated duration of the concert is 90 minutes, and there is no information about an intermission on the event page. Therefore, it is most honest to orient oneself to a continuous program without a clearly stated break, but if you like to arrive without haste, it’s better to allow extra time for the cloakroom and a calm seating in the hall.
Prices and for whom
The event page indicates a price range of 250–750 UAH. This is quite a wide range, so you can choose either a more modest option for a spontaneous cultural evening or seats closer to the stage if you want to better feel the voice and the orchestra's work.
In terms of mood, this is a good option for both a date, an evening with friends, and for those who love Ukrainian music without banality. If you are looking for something maximally light and entertaining, the concert may seem more serious than a pop event; but if you are interested in voice, ritual tradition, and strong live interpretation, it is unlikely to be boring.
Tips for the audience
It’s better to arrive a little early for such a concert to avoid entering the hall at the last minute and losing the mood for the atmosphere. The dress code here is not strict, but for a philharmonic evening, neat, understated clothing without excessive formality is usually appropriate.
If there is a pause between parts or just time before the start, it’s good to have a few minutes to calmly read the program and tune in to listening: in such concerts, this truly adds to the impression. Would you choose such an evening with live folk sound in the center of Lviv, or do you prefer a more chamber format with a smaller ensemble?
