Fir zesumme staark ze sinn. To be strong together. This is the title of the song composed by Luxembourgish and Ukrainian musicians to demonstrate unity and solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times. The song and video were produced by the non-profit organization Voice, Art, and Social in support of LUkraine.
The composer of the song is Claude Zeimes, a renowned composer, songwriter, and the founder of Musicz.lu. This isn’t his first composition in support of Ukraine; he recently released a lyrical composition titled “Hope.” In “Fir zesumme staark ze sinn,” you can also hear a wonderful bandura – a Ukrainian plucked-string folk instrument – performance by Nadiya Balych from Belle Bandura asbl. The song features lyrics in both Luxembourgish and Ukrainian, with English subtitles included.
The video tells the story of volunteers in Luxembourg who have been providing assistance to Ukrainians. Comprising mainly footage from LUkraine, it showcases the organization’s active involvement in supporting Ukraine’s resistance throughout the 1.5 years of a full-scale invasion.
“The language of art and music is the universal language of love and compassion. ‘Fir zesumme staark ze sinn’ is a manifestation of solidarity and unwavering support from the people of Luxembourg for Ukrainians. It has been 1.5 years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and many Ukrainians are experiencing war fatigue, feeling lonely in their grief and desperation. But the words ‘Together we create the future’ show that they are not alone. We thank everyone who has worked on this masterpiece,” shares Inna Yaremenko, the Vice President of LUkraine.
Brigitta Best, the President of Voice, Art, and Social, comments, “Today, on Ukrainian Independence Day, Voice, Art, and Social are showing their support for Ukraine with a song created and performed by Luxembourgish and Ukrainian artists. It’s not just a melody but a heartfelt message that resonates with our core values. ‘Fir zesumme staark ze sinn’ embodies a universal message of solidarity, reminding us that when we stand together, we are stronger.”
The official release is planned for August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day. All proceeds will go towards LUkraine’s project “Ukraine is calling,” by LUkraine which aims to raise funds for purchasing 112 ambulances and fire trucks for Ukraine.
YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKS4mAI-Cg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/18mHZ4Nsny1SQ9jdlRIHtj?si=2lhXF5dZSlWX8R-0e1izlw&nd=1
Credits:
PROJECT MANAGEMENT by George Philippart
ON BEHALF OF Voice, Art and Social & LUkraine with the support of Brigitta Best
MUSIC
Composer Claude Zeimes
Mixed by Claude Zeimes
Mastered by Jean-Luc Desorbay
Produced by musicz.lu
Bandura by Nadiya Balych, Belle Bandura asbl
Guitar by Claude Zeimes
Lyrics by George Philippart, Volodymyr Yukhymenko
INTERPRETED BY
Daria Maksymchuk, Ksenia Yukhymenko, Mara van Dyck, Nadiya Balych, Natalia Demchuk, Olga Patalashko, Volodymyr Yukhymenko
Chorale des jeunes Zolwer Spatzen, George Philippart
VIDEO BY Max Dostert
CAMERA AND LIGHT EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Vitaliius Kiselius
Vital Provisions
VIDEO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Laurent Rischette
ADDITIONAL VIDEO FOOTAGE
LUkraine
RTL Letzebuerg
Croix-Rouge Luxembourg
Press contact: Olena Neskorodiana, PR&Communications at LUkraine
olena.neskorodiana@ukrainians.lu