AUSP Collaborates with Deloitte and Others for Kyiv's Cultural Festival at Saint Sophia Cathedral
In a significant move to bolster cultural ties and showcase Ukraine’s rich heritage, America-Ukraine Strategic Partners (AUSP) has announced its partnership with prominent organizations including Deloitte, the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Institute. Together, they will support the highly anticipated Bouquet Kyiv Stage Festival, taking place at the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Emphasizing Ukrainian Culture
The 2025 theme for the festival, "The Heart of Europe Beats in Ukraine," is an ode to the nation’s integral role in upholding European values amidst challenging times. This year’s Bouquet Kyiv Stage aims to celebrate and promote various cultural expressions through a series of over 40 free public events that encompass music, visual arts, film, theater, children's education, and literary dialogues. AUSP’s commitment to the festival reflects its broader mission to strengthen Ukraine's cultural landscape and artistic community.
David Grasso, AUSP's Head of Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "Cultural events like Bouquet serve as vital platforms for nurturing relationships and ideas that will shape Ukraine's future. We are honored to align ourselves with the vibrant Ukrainian arts community during such a crucial period."
Highlights of the Festival
Among the standout features of the Bouquet Kyiv Stage this year are several poignant events that resonate with the current cultural climate. Highlights include:
1. Flowers from the Frontline - This moving visual arts exhibition showcases flora collected from near the front lines, symbolizing resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It not only highlights the beauty of nature but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many.
2. Liberated Music - A concert that revives previously banned or overlooked compositions by Ukrainian composers such as Viktor Barvinsky and Petro Synytsia. Performed by the Liatoshynsky Capella Orchestra, this event sheds light on the rich musical heritage that deserves recognition and celebration.
3. White Bouquet - The festival’s poignant closing concert will feature compositions from notable composers such as Arvo Pärt, Geiya Kancheli, and Victoria Poleva. The Kyiv Camerata, conducted by Nikoloz Rachveli, will lead this performance, symbolizing unity and the enduring spirit of Ukrainian culture.
Evgeni Utkin, Co-Founder of Bouquet Kyiv Stage, poignantly summarized the essence of the festival, stating, "Metaphorically speaking, the heart of Europe beats in Ukraine. Yet it is a heart that bleeds, as the world stands on the brink of losing its essence. Our festival speaks to the urgency of maintaining clarity in our values, highlighting what is good and evil amidst uncertainty. Here, in the heart of Kyiv, at Saint Sophia Cathedral, we celebrate that enduring heartbeat."
AUSP's Commitment to Global Development
Founded by a team comprising former intelligence officials, alumni from BlackRock, and finance experts, AUSP operates at the intersection of sovereign capital strategy and local partnerships. The organization's depth of experience empowers its mission in global development, pushing the boundaries of cultural and economic growth in Ukraine and beyond.
The Bouquet Kyiv Stage event is not just a cultural festival; it serves as a powerful statement of resilience and solidarity within the artistic community. As the festival approaches, many are looking forward to the blend of art, education, and dialogue that it promises, showcasing Ukraine’s vibrant culture to the world.
By spearheading this initiative, AUSP, alongside its partners, stands not only as a benefactor but as a champion of Ukraine's rich cultural narrative, ensuring that the heart of Europe continues to beat strong amidst adversity.