Happy New Year!

© Okean of Emotions - 2014

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." 

Albert Einstein

May the New Year bring to you warmth of love and a light to guide your path towards a positive destination…  

Happy New Year!

Okean Elzy: Silent Night... Merry Christmas!

Tonight is Christmas Eve in the western world...

Okean Elzy - Silent Night

I am waiting for Santa Claus to make his guest appearance! :)

He should bring me the new Ukrainian handbook I am waiting for... The key of happiness is simple!

A silent night, a star above, a blessed gift of hope and love...

Merry Christmas!

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk: Vnochi concert - Kiev, 19 December 2014

Last Friday, in Kiev, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk gave a charity concert to raise money for Zaporizhia Hospital.

 

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Dima Kunytskyy

In all, about 10 millions of Hryvnias have been collected! With these funds, and according to the hospital needs, some medical equipements have already been bought:  

• 1 X-ray machine
• 1 ultrasound machine  
• 1 anaesthetic and respiratory equipment
• 3 mechanical ventilation devices
• 3 defibrillators
• 4 infusion pumps
• 2 ambulances

One of the 2 ambulances bought with the funds raised from Vakarchuk's concert - 19 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Source: Okean Elzy Official


The first part of the show was ensured by Kristina Solovii.

Kristina Solovii - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
©Viktoria Kvitka

This young singer participated in the TV Show "Holos Krayiny - The Voice of the Country" 2013, the Ukrainian version of the famous reality singing competition "The Voice" and her coach was... Svyatoslav Vakarchuk! :)

By the way, I can't resist sharing this video:


"Sous le ciel de Paris"...
I love her nice slavic accent and I have to say that, honestly, this sounds French! Great!
I have the feeling that I should write something about the experience of singing in a foreign language... It's fascinating! :)


Then, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk performed the songs of his solo album "Вночі - Vnotchi"... (sorry, high quality videos are very rare!)

"Не опускай свої очі - Ne opuskay svoyi ochi"

And an Okean Elzy song, "Лист до мами - List do mamy" - "Letter to mom"...

"Лист до мами - List do mamy"

This song moved the audience because the lyrics are about a young soldier who is far away from home... He is writing a letter to his mother, asking her to write him about simple and familiar things. Couplets are saying:

Write me a mail

That I'll read all night long.

Wrap up your words

With this odor I am familiar with: Yours!

What about, seen by the window, 

The flowers that we planted together?

What about the dinner on the table?

... The dinner that is ready... when everything is waiting for me!

According to friends that were there, emotion ran high on Friday night at the "Ivan Franko National Drama Theater"...

I've also been told that some "Vnochi" concerts will be played in 2015 in other places... Wait & see! :)

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Victoria Kvitka

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Dima Kunytskyy

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
A prayer for peace in the world...
© Dima Kunytskyy

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Dima Kunytskyy

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Victoria Kvitka

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Dima Kunytskyy

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
© Dima Kunytskyy

Svytoslav Vakarchuk - Kiev - 19 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

More photos here:

• Okean Elzy Official (1)
• Okean Elzy Official (2)
• Kaza.in.ua
• Okean Elzy Official Fan-Club

Okean Elzy: The group's history... in a virtual museum!

To celebrate the 20th birthday of Okean Elzy, the digital agency VGNC created a virtual museum devoted to the most famous Ukrainian rock band.

Some would say that this is a publicity stunt... and a fruitful association with Okean Elzy, but it is in fact much more than this: This virtual visit is exciting!

©VGNC

If loading time is a bit long (maybe I should buy a new computer...), visiting the 8 rooms of this museum is quite magical : I really enjoy the graphism and I found funny to play with the "sculptures" exhibited.

Moving from room to room (i.e. from album to album) and listening to Svyatoslav's warm voice, you will also find here some nice pictures by scrolling down... Honestly, this is a beautiful museum!

©VGNC

But on top of this, the most interesting thing is that there is (finally!) some information in English about the group's history! Wonderful!

Don't hesitate to visit the website to have your own opinion!

Well done and thank you, VGNC!

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk: a charity concert in Kiev on 19 December 2014

This Friday, for a charity concert, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk will sing his solo album"Вночі - Vnotchi" in Kiev at "Ivan Franko National Drama Theater".

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Minsk - 21 Nov. 2014
Photo: © relax by

As said in my former post, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk is fully involved in the social life of Ukraine.

A few years ago, he created a foundation in his name, "Люди майбутнього - People of the future". The purpose was at first to promote Ukrainian language among younger generations. But due to the current situation in the country, the objectives of the foundation have changed a bit since several months: On top of promoting Ukrainian language, the NGO supports people in the Eastern part of Ukraine and Slava raises fonds to buy medical equipement. To do so, he organises some concerts in Kiev...

With his performance of the 5th of October, his foundation provided 10 beds for the Military Hospital in Kharkov.

Vakarchuk's foundation provided the Kharkov Military Hospital with care beds

The money collected with the concert of this Friday will help the Zaporizhia Military Hospital.

On that occasion, Svyatoslav will be accompanied by the musicians of the National Chamber Ensemble, "Kyiv Soloists".

Kiev National Chamber Ensemble
Photogr. Unkn.

Slava will sing his solo album "Вночі - Vnotchi": released in 2008, the tracks of this album are jazzy ballads, the most famous one being "Така як ти - Taka iak ti - Someone Like You".
But there will be also a lot of emotion with this song "Не опускай свої очі - Ne opuskay svoyi ochi"... I have to say that this is one of my favorite songs !



This should be a memorable moment!

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk: Support to Donbass region - December 2014

On the 12th of December, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk was in the Donbass region to support people of Debaltseve. 

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Living conditions are currently very difficult for people of the Donbass area.

With some members of the NGO "Люди майбутнього - People of Tomorrow", Svyatoslav Vakarchuk gave slates to the residents so that they can repair buildings...

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

... and heaters that were provided for free by the company UFO!

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - Debaltseve - 12 Dec. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Vakarchuk is known as a man of compassion and conviction: He uses his fame to help causes that are dear to his heart.
In an interview he gave yesterday evening to the TV Channel "INTER", he encouraged people helping each other. It is this solidarity that will allow Ukrainians to find their way!

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk - 14 Dec. 2014

The message was clear:

"Everyone can help in some way: Like politicians, 

common people can work to build a new Ukraine!"

Further, with Denis Dudko, Svyatoslav performed yesterday evening his song "Обійми - Obijmy" during the TV show "Хоробрі серця - Braveheart" on the TV channel "1+1":


The topic of that TV show was "Love at war" and it was mainly based on volunteers' testimonials. Honestly, I could just watch a part of it as it moved me deeply.
Anyway, Svyatoslav is right: we should forget tears and keep joy in our heart...

Thank you, Slava, to lead the way and give us a good example!

Vakarchuk - Ukraine crisis and its future - Lecture in Paris (INALCO) - 01 December 2014

On the 1st of December, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk held a lecture at INALCO (Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales) in Paris about Ukraine crisis and its future.

 

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO 

The message delivered in Paris was the same as the one shared in England in November (Click on the links to watch the video and  to read a summary of the London event): If everybody agrees on the fact that Ukraine is a country that needs change, main issue is to know how...

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO

"I believe that our main problem is not economics or legislative system. We should start from people’s values."

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO

"You can’t choose both freedom and safety as basic values. If you choose safety, you will never get freedom. If you choose freedom, you’ll get safety as a consequence, but it might take some time to achieve it."

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO

"I don’t believe in fast change. You can’t change minds of adults; you can only work with the kids. So it will take several generations before we can see the result we want. We need patience."

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO

Even if the event was opened to general public, attendees were mainly Ukrainians and students. The thing is that the information about Vakarchuk's lecture came late and touched only a confidential circle...
I'm sure that more Westerners would have been interested in it!
Most of French people don't understand the situation in Ukraine - mainly because they don't know anything about its history and culture: such a meeting is a golden chance to change your view! 



The Association of Ukrainian Students living in France took the opportunity of this lecture at INALCO to award Svyatoslav Vakarchuk...

Photogr. Unkn.

© Alina Wolf Photography / INALCO

... They gave him a beret on the occasion of his visit in France... :)




















... and a diploma to thank him for the inspiration he gives to all of us with his songs!






According to the attendees, it was a great evening!

Sources: Perspectives Ukrainiennes

Okean Elzy: '20 Years Together' Tour - Videos

As I've been asked (again!) "How can I watch easily the videos of the Okean Elzy '20 Years Together' Tour?", I created a new playlist in my YouTube channel:

I still don't understand why Westerners don't want to learn reading Cyrillic... It's not that much complicated! :)

Enjoy!

Okean Elzy: Paris concert - 2 December 2014

On the 2nd of December, the Ukrainian rock-band Okean Elzy closed its "20 Years Together" tour in Paris with an amazing show!

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov

I was there and I can say that there was a warm and friendly atmosphere at the "Cabaret Sauvage". For sure, I'll never forget that evening...

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine

First of all, I must say that, like in London, I didn't have the opportunity to transmit to Svyatoslav Vakarchurk the special gift I created for him. Honestly, I didn't expect to meet Svyatoslav or any other member of the band: I know that being on tour is exhausting and that they were to busy for this. But I was in touch with the Organizer of the concert who proposed me, a few days ago, to help me: he was supposed to give my booklet to Vakarchuk... 
 

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov

Unfortunately, I quickly understood that he was too busy and that he would never have a single minute to give me his attention - in fact, he gave the appearance to be busy, running round like headless chickens and doing nothing concrete! :)
He was there to show that he was the boss...  not to help anyone! 

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov

 
If this was a bit frustrating, I must admit that I found it very funny. But after a few minutes, I focused my attention on the spectators - it was much more interesting! 


I then talked with very friendly Ukrainians - but aren't all Ukrainians friendly? :)
We exchanged for several minutes about:

• The interest of learning foreign languages;

• How I've discovered Okean Elzy, my blog in English & my translations of Vakarchuk's texts into French: it seems that, if it sounds strange to Westerners, Ukrainians are also very surprised (and are very proud!) to know that French people could be interested in Ukrainian music & culture! :) But what makes me want to move on these projects is the positive feedbacks I receive since several months from Ukrainian, Russian & Belarussian fans! Thanks to you, my friends!

• Why Ukrainians are now frequently wearing the colors of their country: the Ukrainian flag, vyshyvankas, etc. and why the Okean Elzy's official communication is now mainly in Ukrainian (and no more in Russian). This is something I understand: In critical time, people need to come together on common values.

This was a really good discussion and I had a very good time!

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine

Like in London, the band performed about 25 songs, mixing high energy songs and romantic ballads. 
Within the audience, I travelled through 20 years of music and poetry... It has been an incredible experience! I would have liked this concert to never ends...

Thanks for the show, Okean Elzy!!!

Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014
Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine

Some more pictures can be found here:

• J'aime l'Ukraine
• Facebook - Vladimir Events
  

'Холодно - Holodno'


'Ти собі сама - Ty Sobi Sama'


'Обійми - Obijmy'



'Стіна - Stina' / 'Той день - Toj Den' '



'Без бою - Bez Boyu' / 'Я так хочу... - Ya Tak Hochu...' / '911' / 'Там, де нас нема - Tam, de nas nema'

Ukrainian cartoon: "Злидні - Zlydni - Trouble, misery, poverty"

In 2005, Stepan Koval created a film with small plasticine figures: "Злидні - Zlydni - Trouble, misery, poverty".  With this cartoon, he won a price at the Berlin International Film Festival!

The thread running through history is a tale of the Ukrainian Carpathians.
In Slavic mythology, misery is represented by evil spirits that bring misfortune at home. These spirits are small and they are wearing old clothes: As the Ukrainian proverb says "Wealth doesn't last very long, but poverty is eternal."
 
According to Ukrainian beliefs, "misery" enters home through the chimney. The only way to get rid of these creatures is to be clever and to like good things in life: you can enclose them in a bag or in a bottle that you will drown in water or place under a stone. The one that will release them, will be their next slave!

In this cartoon, the "zlydni" speak Russian but Petro, Maritchka and their neighbors are speaking Ukrainian language.

Interesting facts:

• To create "Zlydni", almost 200 kg of clay were used; 
• This 13 minutes cartoon was realized in 9 months, using a digital camera; 
• For "Zlydni" creators used a Spanish biological clay, not one made of petroleum products.

Author & source: Daniela / J'aime l'Ukraine ("I love Ukraine", a nice French blog devoted to Ukraine and its culure)

Okean Elzy: Roma concert - 30 November 2014

Finally, here are some pictures & videos of the Okean Elzy concert in Roma!

Okean Elzy - Roma - 30 November 2014
Photo: © Vladimir Sobko

Okean Elzy - Roma - 30 November 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Okean Elzy - Roma - 30 November 2014
Photo: © Vladimir Sobko

'Друг - Dryg'

'Susy'

'Без бою - Bez Boyu'

'Квiтка - Kvitka'

'Обійми - Obijmy'

'Все буде добре - Vse Bude Dobre'

Information about the concert that took place on Tuesday in Paris to follow...

Okean Elzy: Barcelona concert - 29 November 2014

Sorry for the delay in posting these information: I was in Paris on Tuesday & Wednesday for the Okean Elzy concert! :) It was (again) a wonderful evening and I have a lot of things to say about this event. But time as not come yet...

 

Anyway, here are some pictures & videos of the Barcelona concert!

Okean Elzy - Barcelona - 29 Nov. 2014
Photo: © Cristina Joanna

Unfortunately, I only found a few high quality pictures of this amazing evening in Barcelona... But many videos have been posted on the Intranet! Thanks for this, Sofia Ivanova!

Okean Elzy - Barcelona - 29 Nov. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Okean Elzy - Barcelona - 29 Nov. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Okean Elzy - Barcelona - 29 Nov. 2014
Photogr. Unkn.

Okean Elzy - Barcelona - 29 Nov. 2014
Photo: © Cristina Joanna

'Вставай - Vstavaj'

'Етюд - Etyud'

'Ти собі сама - Ty Sobi Sama'

'Друг - Dryg'

'Фіалки - Fialky'

'Холодно - Holodno'

'На небi - Na Nebi'

'Не питай - Ne Pytai'

Best moments of the Barcelona concert

Information about the concerts in Roma & Paris are coming soon...

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk: 'Така як ти - Taka iak ti' - English translation

Looking for an English translation of the song ''Така як ти - Taka iak ti' by Svyatoslav Vakarchuk? Here it is! :)

© AleXa - Okean of Emotions - 2014

Someone like You 

Така, як ти

Do you even know
How much, when it's implacable, rain trembles deep into your soul?
Yes, forever, it seems that it waits for me... Only for me...
And do you know how that calm winter at our window hurts me,
This soft pastel that looks like your favorite Monet?...

Chorus
Someone like you
Can only be found once in a lifetime...
And then, it's like being in Heaven!
Someone like you
Can only be found only once in a lifetime...
I feel remorseful
When we're not together!…

It seems that I shall never succeed to forget...
Each new signal from you resets the counter of my will to zero
And in a single glance, you speak louder than with a million words;
Eternally distant, they look like your favorite Dali...

Chorus

Songwriter: Svyatoslav Vakarchuk

Translation: AleXa / Okean of Emotions

 

Така, як ти (Taka iak ti) / Album ВНОЧІ - © 2008

Any comment on how to improve this translation is welcome!

For French translation, click here

According to my Ukrainian friends, this melody reflects the Ukrainian soul.
It was voted as their favorite  song by the members of the Official Fan-Club.
It is breathtaking!

Honestly, each time I am listening to it, I am crying... and to sing it is also a lot of emotions!
I  created this video in May, for Svyatoslav's birthday:

If the text is of a man for a woman, I've decided to make use of his words to declare to Ukraine how much I love her! :)

Okean Elzy: Minsk concert - 21 November 2014

On the 21st of November, Okean Elzy performed a concert in Minsk!

Okean Elzy - Minsk -21 Nov. 2014
Photo: Relax by

There would be a lot to say about this concert but I have the feeling that I must start this post by talking politics. :-/
An information has been widely relayed by the media these days and I shall say something about that: Minsk Police confiscated the spectators' Ukrainian flags before the show... This is unprecedented!
No need to say that Ukrainians were a bit frustrated and that Belarusians were very sorry - That's the feeling I had when I exchanged with friends who were there.

Of course, this has to do with the situation in Ukraine... (I am afraid this is a typical Westerner's point of view... Sorry!) But, as I told to my friends: 'The Ukrainian flag bloods in your veins when you are singing Okean Elzy songs: to wear it is a must, not a necessity... What is important is that you were there, celebrating all together the 20 Years of your favorite rock-band. The show was amazing?... Your attention should focus on this good moment only!'

Ok. I realize that this sounds too simplistic... but Okean Elzy music brings nations together: It is a bridge accross differences, its light reaches your heart and for a while you leave your problems behind... You should never feel sad after the show! 


Having say that, it is time to share some pictures! 
Let me introduce you to the attendees of this event...

You are organizing a concert 

and you want it to be a big success?... 

The recipe is (quite) simple !

Choose an enthusiastic crowd...

Okean Elzy - Minsk spectators enjoying the show!
Photo: people.onliner.by

Add very good musicians....

Denis Glinin
Photo: © Relax by

Milos Jelic
Photo: © Relax by

Denis Dudko
Photo: © Relax by

Vladimir Opsenica
Photo: © Relax by

And a multi-talented singer/songwriter...

Svyatoslav Vakarchuk
Photo: © Relax by

Don't forget to bring you mascot...

Michka, Okean Elzy's mascot - Minsk - 21 Nov. 2014
Photo: © people.onliner.by

 

And your Ukrainian flag - even if it is forbidden... 

Okean Elzy - Minsk - 21 Nov. 2014
Photo: © tut.by

And 'Все буде добре - Everything will be all right!'

Okean Elzy - Minsk 21 Nov. 2014
Photo: © Relax by

This is the recipe of a memorable evening!

Okean Elzy - Minsk 21 Nov. 2014
Photogr. unkn.