May carries a sense of forward motion — longer days, new energy, and a natural pull toward what lies ahead. It’s a time to gather, to create, and to stay connected.
This month’s Razom Recommends highlights events that reflect that spirit, offering ways to engage with Ukrainian culture while looking toward the future with intention and hope.
1 May| 7:00 PM| NYC
Concert Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Catastrophe
The Young Performers Foundation, under the patronage of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, presents a musical tribute commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl catastrophe. Violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and pianists Steven Beck and Pavlo Gintov perform a deeply expressive program. Through evocative melodies and dynamic arrangements, this concert honors the 1986 tragedy while celebrating the vibrant and enduring legacy of Ukraine’s musical heritage. All proceeds go directly toward supporting Ukrainian culture.
2 May | 6:00 PM | Chicago
7 May | 6:00 PM | Washington, DC
9 May | 6:00 PM | NYC
Across the Ocean: United in Support of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
The Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America invites you to a special benefit celebration in support of the next generation of Ukrainian students at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Taking place across three cities, this event brings communities together in a shared commitment to education, resilience, and Ukraine’s future. Join an evening of connection and purpose as we stand united in supporting young scholars shaping the country’s tomorrow.
7–10 May | NYC
Ukrainian Drama Showcase
Presented by Razom for Ukraine, the Ukrainian Drama Showcase is a four-day festival of staged readings highlighting classic and contemporary Ukrainian plays. Featuring six works performed multiple times throughout the weekend, the festival invites audiences to engage with Ukrainian theater in a dynamic, accessible format. Join for a single reading or immerse yourself in the full experience as these powerful texts come to life on stage.
8 May | 7:00 PM | NYC
78th Anniversary Celebration
The Ukrainian Institute of America invites you to its 78th Anniversary Celebration — an elegant evening honoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to Ukrainian culture and community. Join for a special gathering that brings together supporters, artists, and friends to celebrate legacy, continuity, and the enduring presence of Ukraine in the cultural life of New York.
11 May | 7:00 PM | NYC
Enduring Voices: Rzewski and Sylvestrov
Music at the Institute presents an evening with Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Vadym Kholodenko and violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, featuring works by Frederic Rzewski and Valentyn Sylvestrov. This powerful program brings together two distinctive musical voices, reflecting on history, memory, and expression through contemporary composition. The concert will be preceded by a talk from musicologist Peter J. Schmelz, offering deeper insight into Soviet-era music and its legacy.
12–24 May | NYC
Distortion / Memory / Resilience — Giles Duley: A New Perspective
Photographer and Legacy of War Foundation founder Giles Duley presents a powerful new exhibition reflecting on two decades of documenting conflict and its human impact. Blending photography, memory, and immersive installations — including a recreated Ukrainian child’s room — the show explores how war shapes lives across time and place. On view at Sutton Tower, this deeply personal exhibition invites viewers to reflect on resilience, connection, and the shared human stories at the heart of conflict.
13 May – 6 June | NYC
Through Her Eyes: War Photography Exhibition
Through Her Eyes is a powerful photography exhibition featuring six Ukrainian women documenting Russia’s war from the front lines since the earliest days of the full-scale invasion. Presented by the American Ukraine Committee, the exhibition offers a deeply personal and unfiltered perspective on war, resilience, and lived experience. On view at the Isabel Sullivan Gallery, the exhibition is free and open to the public.
21 May | 6:30 PM | NYC
Books at the Institute: James Verini in Conversation with Sebastian Junger
Books at the Institute hosts an evening with award-winning journalist James Verini for the New York launch of The Theater: Courage and Survival in the Defining Atrocity of the Ukraine War. In conversation with Sebastian Junger, Verini will discuss reporting from the front lines and the human stories behind one of the war’s most defining moments. The event will be followed by a book signing and light reception.
30 May | 6:30 PM | Chicago
The Enduring Legacy of Ukrainian Art
The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art invites you to its annual Benefit Gala, The Enduring Legacy of Ukrainian Art: Honoring the past. Inspiring the future. This special evening brings together community, culture, and philanthropy to celebrate Ukraine’s artistic heritage while supporting the next chapter of its creative expression. Join for cocktails, dinner, and an inspiring program dedicated to preserving and advancing Ukrainian art.
As the seasons change, our commitment cannot. We invite you to stay engaged, stay informed, and keep your attention on Ukraine — not only in moments of crisis, but in the ongoing work of resilience, culture, and rebuilding. Your continued interest, presence, and support matter more than ever.