Heart of the Earth: Pyrih i Batih to perform in Copenhagen

The acclaimed musical project “Pyrih i Batih” is set to deliver a groundbreaking performance in Copenhagen on August 23, marking Ukraine’s Independence Day.
This event is made possible through the support of IZOLYATSIA. Platform for Cultural Initiatives foundation, Trans Europe Halles, Malý Berlín, and is co-financed by the #ZMINA_Rebuilding program, created with the support of the European Union in Ukraine. Additional support is provided by the Embassy of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Denmark, Dovzhenko Centre, and Ukrainian Institute.

The Ukraine House in Denmark is proud to present a captivating performance by Pyrih i Batih, a musical project that breathes new life into Ukrainian poetry. On August 23, 2024, as part of the celebration marking the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s restored independence, Pyrih i Batih will provide a live musical accompaniment to Olexandr Dovzhenko’s classic silent film “The Earth” (1930). The event is taking place as part of the opening of the “Heart of the Earth” exhibition.

The event will take place at Vor Frelsers Kirke, Sankt Annæ Gade 29, Copenhagen, starting at 17:00.

The opening of the exhibition “Heart of Earth”, one of Ukraine’s most significant wartime cultural projects, will be unveiled at Ukraine House House in Denmark on 23 August at 15:30.

“We treasure every opportunity to bring Ukrainian artists to Denmark, especially those whose work meets the mission of the Ukraine House, which is to elevate the voices of the many forgotten and undiscovered authors in Ukrainian culture. We work to engage them in a dialogue with Danish cultural actors and institutions. Pyrih and Batih’s latest program, “Zamordowani” (Tortured to Death), features compositions set to the lyrics of renowned Ukrainian poets who were persecuted by Soviet authorities between 1918 and 1986. This performance serves as a powerful expression of Ukraine’s resilience, desire for justice, and love of life. Songs planned to be performed by the project in Copenhagen will complement the performances by the Ukrainian poets Kateryna Kalytko and Myroslav Laiuk of their poetry and prose, and their works in Danish will be read by the iconic Danish actors – Mia Lerdam, Esben Smed and Kirsten Polesen during the events on 23 and 24th of August. We find that there is no better way to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence,” – commented Nataliia Popovych, chairperson of Ukraine House in Denmark.

Formed in 2019, Pyrih i Batih has quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of Ukrainian poetry and contemporary music. With over 150,000 Spotify followers, the band has captured global attention with their innovative approach to preserving and promoting Ukrainian cultural heritage.

The event will showcase Pyrih i Batih’s live musical accompaniment to Olexandr Dovzhenko’s “The Earth” (1930), exclusively for the opening of the “Heart of the Earth” exhibition. This unique performance celebrates Ukraine’s poetic legacy and cultural resilience, offering attendees an immersive experience that bridges Ukraine’s rich past with its vibrant present.

Pyrih i Batih will also perform on 24 August, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, at 15:00, at the historic ceremonial hall of the University of Copenhagen.