Music and Art Center of Green County Concert at Grazhda. Photo Courtesy Hanya Krill-Pyziur
JEWETT – The Catskill Region has a rich cultural history, ranging from annual festivals and live performances that have inspired scores of visitor and art lovers for generations. Vibrant centers have enriched the cultural life of the region. Numerous art, music, and theater groups have hosted groundbreaking performances and events. Among them is the Music and Art Center of Greene County in Jewett.
The Music and Art Center of Greene County (MACGC) was established in 1983 by Dr. Ihor Sonevytsky, a Ukrainian-born composer and musicologist. As the longest running classical music summer concert series in the Catskills, it offers an extraordinarily rich classical music program of works by international and Ukrainian composers, performed by award-winning and distinguished musicians, most of Ukrainian descent from both the United States and Europe.
The Center’s music series is presented on Saturday evenings every summer in July and August in the hall of the Grazhda, which is part of one of the most architecturally unique building complexes in the Catskills, situated on a hill along scenic Route 23A in Jewett. It includes the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, its Belfry, the Grazhda (the parish hall), and the Pastor’s House. The Grazhda serves both as an auditorium for concerts and as a gallery where exhibitions of works by Ukrainian artists are on display during the summer months. It also houses a gift shop.
The church and its complex was built by Ukrainian immigrants who came to the United States after the horrors of World War II and formed a community in the Hunter Mountain and Jewett area, purchasing permanent or summer homes in the Catskills because the area reminded them of the beautiful Carpathian Mountains in their homeland. The church was dedicated to those who had committed their lives to the struggle for freedom. The project came to fruition in 1961–1964. The tripartite church building was designed in the manner of XVII century Ukrainian wooden churches. The church and the complex of buildings were built of timber blockwork, constructed fully without nails. The church’s beautiful wooden iconostasis (alter screen) and chandelier were designed and carved by sculptor Mykhailo Czereszniowsky; the iconostasis includes stunning icons painted by the artist Petro Cholodny Jr.
The wood interior and high ceilings of the Grazhda are particularly conducive to creating a wonderful environment with great acoustics for concerts.
"Music at Grazhda," is delighted to announce its 43rd season, a celebration of artistry, education, and cultural enrichment with a series of exceptional concerts, all set amidst the picturesque Catskills.
The season opens on July 5 at 8pm with a dynamic recital by Ukrainian soprano Marta Zaliznyak and pianist Olena Haviuk-Sheremet. Zaliznyak is known for her radiant voice and commanding presence, while Haviuk-Sheremet brings technical brilliance and expressive depth to the stage. Their program includes works by Mozart, Puccini, Brahms, Liszt, Lysenko, and Kos-Anatolsky.
On July 19 at 8pm, the Grazhda Chamber Music Society presents a rich blend of classical and Ukrainian compositions by Schubert, Haydn, Dvorak, Skoryk, Silvestrov, and Havrylets. This wonderful ensemble features Nazar Pylatyuk, People’s Artist of Ukraine; Vasyl Zatsikha, Concertmaster of Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana; Richard Young, violist of the Vermeer String Quartet; Natalia Khoma, Tchaikovsky Competition laureate and cello professor at the College of Charleston; and Volodymyr Vynnytsky, widely celebrated pianist and Artistic Director of the festival.
On July 26 at 8pm the Grazhda Chamber Music Society will present another wonderful concert. The program includes masterpieces by Haydn, Dvorak, and Silvestrov. Each member of the ensemble is an international award-winning musician, bringing artistry and experience to every note.
Join us on August 16 at 8pm for a solo recital by internationally acclaimed pianist Pavlo Gintov. Gintov has performed at Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonic, Teatro Verdi in Milan, and more. He is a top prizewinner of the Takamatsu, Bradshaw & Buono, and World Competitions. His performance promises emotional depth and technical brilliance.
The final concert of the Music at Grazhda Festival, on Saturday, August 23, at 8 p.m., will honor Ukraine’s Independence Day with a stirring concert, The Soul of Ukraine, featuring the renowned Gerdan Ensemble. Founded by Grammy-winning flutist Andrei Pidkivka and acclaimed violinist/vocalist Solomia Gorokhivska, Gerdan offers a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian folk music. They are joined by versatile guitarist Jan Knutson. This program has captivated audiences nationwide and will showcase Ukraine’s enduring spirit through music. Gerdan has captivated audiences at the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, and festivals nationwide. This special program highlights Ukrainian folk songs and instrumentals, celebrating Ukraine’s rich culture and resilient spirit.
Tickets for the concerts will be available at the door.
Please join us for a season of remarkable performances and inspiration at Music at Grazhda!
For further information visit: www.GrazhdaMusicandArt.org
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