Cehelska showcases Ukraine at global cultures event

by Stefan P. Stefaniuk

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - On the evening of May 20, the Church of the Holy Family hosted its annual global cultures event titled "Exploring Our Similarities." The event was aimed at not only exploring the similarities, but also learning to work together for the common good of all. During the event, groups of tables were encouraged to discuss the similarities they shared, and later present what they had discovered that tied them together. Following a summary of the group discussion, there was an ethnic food tasting, which was greatly enjoyed by all.

Soon afterwards, the ethnic show began and included a dance program by the Philippine Cultural Center as well as presentations of Filipino martial arts, a Mexican dance, Ukrainian bandura, German cow bells and Flamenco dancing.

Representing Ukraine was Dr. Olga Maria Cehelska, who sang two traditional Ukrainian folk songs while playing the bandura. Accompanying on guitar was retired Col. Anhel Morales, the founder of Global Cultures Inc., who even managed to learn the refrain of one of the Ukrainian songs in order to sing it in two-part harmony.

Dr. Cehelska, a seasoned performer, captured the hearts of those attending the event with her playful humor and elegant introduction in Ukrainian. The rest of her program was bilingual, as she brought Ukrainian culture to life in the time allotted.

Using a colorful display of heirloom embroidery and mannequins dressed in the different regional folk costumes of Ukraine, her performance sparked an interest in presenting programs on Ukrainian culture in Hampton Roads schools. In fact, that very night she was asked if she could hold programs for two different schools in the fall of this year.

Having worked for Young Audiences of Virginia Inc. for nearly five years, Dr. Cehelska has introduced Ukrainian history and culture to more than 10,000 school-aged children throughout the state of Virginia in the 1990s. On global cultures night, Dr. Cehelska agreed to continue to present historically sound programs on Ukraine, through song, the bandura and the brilliance of Ukrainian composers for piano.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 25, 2006, No. 26, Vol. LXXIV

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