In Every Note, a Nation: The Soul of Ukraine in Song | Olga Ovcharuk | TEDxBrayford Pool

Key Concepts:

• Cultural diplomacy
• Traditional culture (specifically Ukrainian folk song)
• Cultural trauma
• Soft power
• Mobile arts for peace project
• National identity
• Unity
• Therapeutic potential of music

1. Introduction: Perception of Ukraine Abroad

• Olga, from Ukraine, discusses the importance of understanding how one's country is perceived abroad.
• A 2021 analytical research by the Ukrainian Institute in the UK revealed that common British associations with Ukraine included Chernobyl, Donbas, Crimea, Maidan events, Ukrainian cooking, and Eurovision.
• Some knew figures like the Klitschko brothers (Vladimir and Vitali), but not the poet Taras Shevchenko, while footballer Andriy Shevchenko was more widely known.
• Olga argues that traditional culture is the most effective way to represent Ukraine to the world.

2. The Role of Traditional Culture in Modern Society

• Despite the digital age, traditional culture remains vital for preserving national identity, history, and traditions.
• Traditional culture can serve various functions, exemplified by the "mobile arts for peace project" studied by Olga at the University of Lincoln.
• The "mobile arts for peace project," led by Professor Anand Breit, was implemented in Rwanda, Indonesia, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan.
• The project demonstrated that traditional art can help resolve social issues and promote dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected societies.

3. Ukrainian Folk Song as a Tool for Cultural Diplomacy

• Ukrainian traditional folk song can showcase Ukrainian society and has historically served multiple functions, including cultural diplomacy, unification, and overcoming cultural trauma.
• In the early 20th century, Ukrainian folk song was used as a tool of cultural diplomacy, with the Ukrainian government representing the country through its unique choral culture.
• The Ukrainian Coral Chapel toured Europe, performing Ukrainian songs.
• The Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells" (originally "Shchedryk") arranged by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, became famous worldwide after a Ukrainian choir's performance in America.
• An anecdote illustrates this: an American, after hearing a Ukrainian choir perform "Shchedryk," commented that their "B was wrong," highlighting the song's assimilation into American culture.
• Ukrainian journalist Tina Perisuna's research, "Shchedryk against Russia: Simon Petliura's cultural diplomacy," explores this phenomenon.

4. Ukrainian Folk Song as a Symbol of Unity

• In the 21st century, Ukrainian traditional folk song became a symbol of unity.
• On February 24, 2022, amidst the initial shock of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian folk song "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna" was performed on St. Sophia Square in Kyiv by Andriy Khlyvnyuk, the leader of the band Boombox.
• This was symbolic because the same song was performed in the same location a century earlier when Ukrainian armed forces gathered to defend the young Ukrainian state.
• The song gained international recognition and was performed in various languages worldwide, demonstrating global support for Ukraine.

5. Therapeutic Potential of Ukrainian Folk Song in Overcoming Cultural Trauma

• Ukrainian traditional folk song possesses therapeutic potential for overcoming cultural trauma.
• Cultural trauma, as defined by sociologists, involves the destruction of a community's existence, values, and cultural foundations.
• War and conflict can inflict cultural trauma on both societies and individuals.
• Ukrainian traditional folk song can be used to address cultural trauma due to several factors:
  • Coral performance creates a sense of unity, combats depression, reduces stress, and provides a feeling of safety.
  • Songs like "Holosy" are performed a cappella, and the human voice's vibrations help reduce stress, especially in children.
  • Ukrainian folk songs contain positive images that replace negative emotions, promoting relaxation and calmness.
• Many governmental and non-governmental organizations in Ukraine are implementing mental health programs that utilize the therapeutic potential of Ukrainian folk song for children, young people, soldiers, volunteers, and the entire Ukrainian society.

6. Conclusion

• Listening to Ukrainian traditional folk song allows one to hear the soul of the Ukrainian people.
• Music, as an international language, can persuade people to support Ukraine and demonstrate solidarity.