March 9, 2011, the Embassy of Ukraine hosted a Taras Shevchenko event to commemorate the 197th anniversary of the great Ukrainian poet, philosopher and public activist.

At the outset of the event, Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Olexander Motsyk addressed the guests of the Embassy with the speech devoted to the outstanding importance of Taras Shevchenko – the national Kobza player as he is traditionally called – phenomenon for the rise of Ukrainian intelligentsia’s national awareness, as well as his influence on the Ukrainian culture that remains significant to these days.

 «… For us Ukrainians, Shevchenko is much more than just a poet. He is a prophet who outstripped his time by a hundred tears», stressed the Ambassador.

Bohdana Urbanovych, head of the US Taras Shevchenko Scientific Society Washington branch, also gave a presentation on the life and artistic works of this prominent Ukrainian.

Honoring the versatile artistic talents of Taras Shevchenko as a painter, singer and musician the informal part of the evening featured the exhibition of the works by American Ukrainian artist Andriy Kushnir, who’s artistic legacy includes picturesque landscapes and a number of pictures of Shevchenko monument in Washington DC, and also folk music presented by “Kalynonka” duet and the Ukrainian choir of Washington metropolitan area.

The guests also had a chance to listen to the poems by Taras Shevchenko and his favorite songs. The informal part was completed with mingling over the delicious works of Ukrainian cuisine by the Embassy chef.