Shchedryk Children Return to a ‘Most Treasured Place'

1994

The dedication and hard work of the hundreds of behind the scenes volunteers may not seem glamorous but without them, the International Choral Kathaumixw would not be possible. 

They are the unsung heroes of the event.  They raised money to sponsor choirs, they billeted people in their homes and they drove participants to and from events.  And the list goes on.

The Kathaumixw committee wanted to invite the previous winners from the last five events to sing at the 19^th anniversary of the festival.  Although Shehdryk Children’s choir of the Ukraine wanted to come, they could not afford the trip.

When members of the United Church found out Shchedryk needed financial assistance to attend Kathaumixw, they rose to the challenge.

Doreen Smith, a spokesperson for the group that spearheaded the fundraising effort said it “was really a community effort although it was spearheaded by some members of the United Church.”

In total, this group raised $25, 000 to bring the choir to Powell river as one of Kathaumixw’s choirs in residence.

“We decided we would raise the money for Kathaumixw who would arrange for these people to come,” said Smith. 

The Shehedryk Children’s Choir sang at Kathaumixw four years ago and won first prize.  The committee dedicated to bringing the choir back knew it was important for the choir as performers, as well as for health reasons to return in 1994.

Members of this choir live in Kiev, a city that is located within 90 km of Chernobyl where the aftereffects of the 1986 nuclear disaster can still be felt today. 

The long term effects of radiation sickness include a decreased immune system. Children and older people are most susceptible to illness following exposure.  

‘The children were so pale when they came,” said interpreter Rimma Putilina, who is also an associate professor of English at the Institute of Public relations and local government at the cabinet of ministries of the Ukraine. 

“I don’t know what is more important,” she said shaking her head. “the health of the children which has been reconstructed while here or the competition. “

Putlina says the children quickly picked up once they were fed vitamins, good food, juice and were able to relax. 

“The children feel so wanted here.  They are so well cared for.”

The trip has also been educational for members of the choir, something Putilina says is very important. 

“This choir is very good,” she said over morning coffee at the Smith’s home.  “It has a high reputation.  It gives educational in spiritual development.  They learn real are not the cheap stuff.”

Choir members were taken all over Powell River and the regional district.  They went for a picnic at Willingdon Beach and a boat ride up Powell Lake. 

“They don’t get to do these things at home,” Putilina sighed.  “Just seeing the country, they learn so much.  They develop relationships with people and children of other choirs.  They exchange views and speak.  Musically, they are enriched by listening to other choirs.” 

Ages of the choir members vary from four to 18. 

“The choir has three levels.  The small ones are the beginners.  They troupe in the choir and pass to another stage then finally to the upper level.”

The Shchedryk Children’s Choir was founded in 1971.  Today, it has some second generation singers. 

“Some of their mothers sang in this choir,” said Putilina. 

Most choir members must take public transportation to reach choir practice.

“Not many have their own cars,” said Putilina. “Public transportation is a problem because there is a shortage of gasoline.  In the winter they did not run regularly because there was not enough electrical power.” 

Putilina says the children think Powell River is a paradise. 

“When the children were on the bus coming here, they kept asking “is this Powell River?”

“We’re charmed by the beauty of the people.  They have something blessed by God here with the people and the place of Powell River.  When we won first prize in the competition (in 1990 it made this place a most treasured place for us.  We did not expect that.  We cannot really speak about that without tears,” said Putilina. 

A special service with the choir was held two Sundays ago at the Powell River united Church. 

IT WAS A WEEK OF GLORY

Our town seems a little quieter today.  The songs that filled our homes, our streets, malls and halls have gone. 

But while we may be sad that another International Choral Kathaumixw has once again closed, we can be happy that, once again, Powell River has shown the world hospitality and generosity that has become our trademark on the international choral scene. 

Sitting in the shade on the grass outside the Recreational Complex Sunday morning a tired but relaxed looking Dal Matterson reflected on the previous five days of song. 

“Everything went really well,” said the choral festival’s chairperson.  “At both the conductors’ banquet and soiree, people were just raving about Kathaumixw and the people of Powell river. 

Many choir members commented on the generosity, openness and friendliness of local residents. 

Matterson said the level of competition throughout the week was very high, as noted by the panel of judges. 

Said judge Carl Little at Saturday night’s closing ceremony: “Just to be invited is an honor.”

He added all choirs who attended can consider themselves winners. 

But any competitive festival has its official winners, and leading the way as top choir was Mladinski Pevski Zbor Maribor from Slovenia. 

As Little and Matterson presented the Xatlanan Kwith yiithut Award to the girls choir’s conductor, Karmina Silec, choir members jumped and screamed for joy before  the capacity crowd of 2000.