The songbird sculpture is affixed to the façade of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry in central Kyiv. The carol itself is known around the world as Carol of the Bells, arranged by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych between 1901 and 1919.
The Shchedryk is designed as a swallow, carrying on its wing the first notes of the legendary tune by Leontovych. It holds a bell in its claws—a reference to the Carol of the Bells.
The installation is interactive: pressing a nearby button plays an archival recording of Shchedryk by Alexander Koshetz's choir, recorded during a 1922 tour in the United States.
Yuriy Belyavsky created the sculpture, with Bohdan Rudkivsky as the technical engineer. Consultants for the authors included Ukrainian Shchedryk researcher Tina Peresunko, pianist Ksenia Yarmych, and Dnipro Choir director Sofiya Trusenko.
“The story of 'Shchedryk,' its creator Mykola Leontovych, the Koshetz Choir tour, and the worldwide recognition of this piece is a narrative about the continuity of the Ukrainian state through the centuries, our resistance to Moscow's attempts to destroy our identity, and Ukrainian cultural diplomacy from the UPR [Ukrainian People’s Republic] era to today,” said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
“The new mini sculpture will draw attention to the genius of 'Shchedryk,' the gentle power of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy, and the indomitable Ukrainian people.”
The project was sponsored by Kredobank, with Jakub Karnowski, the Vice-President of the Board of the bank, attending the unveiling ceremony.
“Shchedryk's story is a symbol of culture triumphing over time and circumstances,” said Karnowski.
“When Ukraine was occupied, this song conquered the stages of Europe and the world, reminding everyone of Ukraine, its dignity, and national identity. We are certain that the melody of this little bird will continue to ring out, uniting the civilized world, spreading hope and warmth in human hearts.”