Westfield Violin Students Show Support For Ukraine With Folk Song

WESTFIELD, NJ — A group of local violin students recently released a video in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as part of the international #ViolinistsSupportUkraine project.

Ukrainian violinist Illia Bondarenko gained attention for performing a famous folk song, entitled "Verbovaya Doschechka," in a Kyiv bomb shelter in the quiet moments between explosions. Westfield violin teacher Rosemary Topar and her students at the NJ Workshop for the Arts joined Bondarenko, and violinists around the world, by making their own video performing the same piece.

After Bondarenko's video went viral, he was contacted by violinist Kerenza Peacock who reached out to 94 violinists in 29 countries to accompany him in harmony, according to CPR.org.

That video can be viewed here:

According to the Moscow Times, violins have become a "weapon of resistance" in Ukraine shelters.

Topar said her students decided to join in on the #ViolinistsSupportUkraine project in hopes that it brings comfort and hope during the difficult time.

Topar added that she encourages all who watch the video on YouTube to donate to one of the children's charities linked in the description and to keep Ukrainian children in their thoughts and prayers.

Here is the video of the Westfield violinists performing "Verbovaya Doschechka":

To learn more the worldwide project, visit Violinists Support Ukraine.

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