Various Composers - Carols of Birds, Bells, and Peace from Ukraine (Ensemble Cherubim)

Information

1. Anonymous - Dnes poyushche (Today, let’s sing)
2. Anonymous - Nebo i zemlia (Heaven and Earth)
3. Anonymous - Po vsiomu svitu /Around the whole world
4. Anonymous - Oy dyvneye (O, how wondrous)
5. Anonymous - Na Yordanskiy richtsi/On the Jordan River
6. Anonymous - Dobry vechir tobi!/Good evening to you!
7. Volodymyr Yakymets - Lullabies: The Wonder of Mary: Prechystaya Diva (A virgin most pure)
8. Vasyl Barvinsky - Lullabies: The Wonder of Mary: Shcho to za predyvo (What a wonder this is)
9. Yosyp Kyshakevych - Lullabies: The Wonder of Mary: Spy, Isuse, spy (Sleep, Jesus, sleep)
10. Yakiv Yatsynevych - Carols of Good Cheer: Yerusalymski dzvony (The bells of Jerusalem)
11. Mykola Leontovych - Carols of Good Cheer: Shchedryk (Carol of good cheer)
12. Alexander Jacobchuk - Carols of Good Cheer: Shchedrivka (Carol of good cheer)
13. Yuriy Alzhnyev - Reflections: Shchedrivka (Carol of good cheer)
14. Alexander Koshetz - Reflections: Boh predvichny (God eternal)
15. Stetsenko - Reflections: Nova radist stala (New joy has come)
16. Svyatoslav Lunyov - Song of Peace: Silent Night

Ensemble Cherubim

Marika Kuzma, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Centaur Records

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Highlighting the depth of Ukraine's ancient musical heritage, this album showcases sixteen winter carols ranging from traditional miniatures to contemporary choral fantasies. Featuring works that appear on recording for the first time or are receiving their debut international release outside of Ukraine, the collection bridges folk traditions and formal classical arrangement. Each piece originates as an indigenous song, painstakingly transcribed and creatively adapted for chorus by leading Ukrainian composers. The resulting anthology introduces global audiences to a rich, culturally vital vocal repertoire that offers a fresh perspective on Eastern European choral traditions.

Founded in San Francisco by director Marika Kuzma, Ensemble Cherubim is a professional chamber choir dedicated to bridging Ukrainian and American cultures through immersive events that combine music, poetry, movement, and visual art. Composed of diverse vocal artists and frequent guest actors, the ensemble debuted with a Grammy-recommended Naxos album of Dmitry Bortniansky’s choral works. Since then, Ensemble Cherubim has performed at prestigious venues and festivals nationwide—including Cal Performances and the Berkeley Festival of Early Music—collaborating with high-profile artists like Frederica von Stade. Paired with a companion book and upcoming album, their performances highlight Ukraine’s vast, underrepresented choral heritage for international audiences.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz