Gruber: Ukrainian Christmas

Ukraine has a long and vibrant tradition of Christmas carols, whose melodies and meaning -
now, more than ever - hold an important place in the hearts of the country's people.
Some carols date back centuries and cover a wide variety of themes, but they are united by
a common thread - an appreciation of the beauties of heaven and earth, and the coming of the
Saviour. The Ukrainian violin virtuoso Solomiya Ivakhiv is the soloist in Bohdan Kryvopust's
imaginative arrangements, which bring out the variety and beauty of the carols. Kryvopust's
own Fantasia is a delightful festive montage.