Welcome to the city of Kyiv - Ukraine and to the 118th edition of the Forum Song Contest (FSC)
The main theme for this FSC-edition is:
‘In Dreams We Are Free’
We are here as a result of Ukraine’s great victory in FSC #117 November
2018 , with KAZKA’s popular Pop-song : ‘ПЛАКАЛА’ [video beneath picture ^^]
Congratulations once again!
The Host city for this FSC #118-edition is: Kyiv - Ukraine , also known as Kiev , the capital and
largest city of Ukraine. It is located in the north central part of the country on the Dnipro (Dnieper)
River. The city’s population is around 2.9 million making Kyiv the 7th most populous city in Europe
Kyiv is an important industrial , scientific , educational , and also cultural centre of Eastern Europe.
It is home to many high-tech industries , higher education institutions , & world-famous historical
landmarks . The city has an extensive infrastructure , & highly developed public transport-system
including the Kyiv Metro . It was the first rapid transit system in Ukraine , and the third one built in
the Soviet Union . It has 3 lines with a total length of 67.56 kilometers (41.98 mi) and 52 stations.
The city's name , is said to derive from the name of Kyi , one of its four legendary founders . Early
English sources use various names , includ. Kiou, Kiow, Kiew, Kiovia. On one of the oldest English
maps of the region Russiae , Moscoviae et Tartariae published by Ortelius (London 1570) the city
name is spelled Kiou. Kyiv is the romanized version of the city's name, used in modern Ukrainian.
During its history , Kyiv , one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe , passed through several stages
of great prominence , and relative obscurity . The city probably existed as a commercial centre, as
early as the 5th century. A Slavic settlement on the great trade route between Scandinavia & Cons
tantinople Kyiv was a tributary of the Khazars until seized by Varangians (Vikings) mid-9th century
Under Viking rule the city became a capital of the 'Kievan Rus', the first East Slavic state. Complet
ely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240 the city lost most of its influence for the centuri
es to come . It was provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories con
trolled by its powerful neighbors ; first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland & Russia.
The city prospered anew during the Russian Empire's Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century
In 1917 after the Ukrainian National Republic declared independence from the Russian Empire, Ky
iv became its capital. From 1921 onward Kyiv was a city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic
ublic , which was proclaimed by the Soviet Union 'Red Army' , and , from 1934, Kyiv was its capital.
During World War II , the city again suffered significant damage , but quickly recovered in the post-
war years, remaining the third largest city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet
Union and Ukrainian freedom and independence in 1991, Kyiv remained the capital of Ukraine and
experienced a steady migration influx of ethnic Ukrainians from many other regions of the country
During the country's transformation to a market economy (including making a change toward serv
ice and finance industry) and electoral democracy , Kyiv has continued to be Ukraine's largest, and
richest city . Kyiv emerged as the most pro-Western region of Ukraine where parties advocating tig
hter integration with the European Union (there are treaties in place) do dominate during elections.
‘In Dreams We Are Free’
‘From the Antes Ancestors to Modern Ukraine’
In the 5th and 6th centuries , the Antes were located in the territory of what is now Ukraine . The
Antes were the ancestors of Ukrainians : and in time evolving into the tribes White Croats, Sever
ians , Polans , Drevlyans , Dulebes, Ulichians, and Tiverians. Migrations from Ukraine throughout
the Balkans established many Southern Slavic nations. Northern migrations, reaching almost to
the Ilmen lakes , led to the emergence of the Ilmen Slavs , the Krivichs , & Radimichs, the groups
ancestral to the Russians. After an Avar raid in 602 and the collapse of the Antes Union, most of
these peoples survived as separate tribes , until around the beginning of the second millennium.
There are different hypotheses, as to the etymology of the name Ukraine . According to the older
widespread hypothesis, it means "borderland", while some more recent linguistic studies claim a
different meaning : " homeland " or " region , country ". Both hypotheses are credited by scholars.
First mentioned in 518, the Antes invaded the Diocese of Thrace at some point between 533 and
545. Shortly after they became Byzantine foederati, and were given gold payment and a fort nam
ed Turris , somewhere north of the Danube at a strategically important location , so as to prevent
hostile barbarians invading Roman lands. So , between 545 and the 580s, Antean soldiers fought
in various Byzantine campaigns. The Antes were eventually attacked and destroyed by the Panno
nian Avars (an alliance of several groups of Eurasian nomads) at the beginning of the 7th century.
The territory of Ukraine, has through history several times been under foreign domination (f.ex.
the period of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and under the Soviet period in modern tim
es) , & this has nurtured a dream of freedom and independence , in their own proud nation, am
ong Ukrainians . This was reflected in the famous peraceful ‘Orange Revolution’ of 2004 where
the people of Ukraine , led by politicians Viktor Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, took to the
streets and protested against rigged elections and probable Russian involvement. Nationwide,
the democratic revolution was highlighted by a series of acts of civil disobedience , sit-ins, and
strikes organized, by the opposition movement . The dream of true democracy , was kept alive.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti or Independence Square as it is now known is the central square in Kyiv.
Central is the Independence Monument with the Statue Of Berehynia (the Goddess of Life) top
Since the start of Ukraine's independence movement in 1990 the square has been the tradition
al place for political rallies, including four large-scale radical protest campaigns: the 1990 stud
ent "Revolution on Granite" , the 2001 "Ukraine without Kuchma", the aforementioned 2004 Ora
nge Revolution , & the 2013–14 Euromaidan. Maidan, as it is often called among locals, is also
a regular site for non-political displays, & events . It remains though a symbol of Ukrainian free
dom and independence, keeping the dreams alive in the minds and hearts of Ukrainian people.
Following independence in 1991, the Ukrainian government introduced the national rules for trans
literation of geographic names , from Ukrainian into English . According to the rules , the Ukrainian
Київ transliterates into Kyiv. This has established the use of the spelling Kyiv in all official docume
nts issued by the governmental authorities since October 1995. The spelling is used by UN and EU
Kyiv, one of the oldest cities of Eastern Europe, played a pivotal role in the development of the me
dieval East Slavic civilization as well as in the modern Ukrainian nation. Scholars debate as to per
iod of the foundation of the city : some date the founding to the late 9th century , other historians
have preferred a date of 482 AD . In 1982 , the city celebrated its 1.500th anniversary accordingly.
The first known humans in the territory of Kyiv lived there in the late paleolithic period (Stone Age)
The population around Kyiv during the Bronze Age formed part of a so-called Tripillian culture , as
witnessed, by objects found in the area . During the early Iron Age , there lived around Kyiv settled
tribes , practising land cultivation and husbandry , and trading with neighbouring tribes and states
Kyiv was the historic cultural centre of the East Slavic civilization and a major cradle for the Christ
ianization of Kievan Rus'. Kyiv retained through centuries its cultural importance and the centre of
Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Its sacred sites, which include the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (the Monast
ery of the Caves) & the Saint Sophia Cathedral (part of '7 Wonders') are probably the most famous
Today Kyiv's theatres incl. the Kiev Opera House , 'Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater',
'Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Theater of Russian Drama' , the Kiev Puppet Theater , October
Palace and National Philharmonic of Ukraine . Other significant cultural centres include the Dovzh
enko Film Studios, and the Kyiv Circus. The city has many museums. One is National Art Museum
Others are : the Kyiv State Historical Museum, Museum of The History of Ukraine in World War II,
the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, the Pinchuk Art Centre and the National Museum of Ru
ssian art. Kyiv is furthermore known as a green city with two botanical gardens and numerous la
rge and small parks. Among the many islands, Venetsianskyi ( or Hydropark ) is most developed.
It is accessible by metro or by car , and includes an amusement park , swimming beaches (water
sports are popular), boat rentals, and night clubs. The Victory Park (Park Peremohy) located near
Darnytsia subway station is a popular destination for strollers, joggers, and cyclists. Boating, fish
ing, and water sports are popular in Kyiv. When the lakewaters freeze in winter children ice skate.
The centre of Kiev (Independence Square and Khreschatyk Street) becomes a large , outdoor party
place at night during summer months, with thousands of people having a good time in nearby rest
aurants, clubs and outdoor cafes. The city has plenty of modern hotels and facilities for tourists &
local visitors alike, a city where the old meets the new, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
Other attractions include: Mystetskyi Arsenal art quarter, Saint Andrew’s Church, Mikhail Bulgakov
Museum, Mariyinsky Palace, and The Motherland Monument (102m tall landmark, a sculpture of a
woman who holds a sword in one hand, and a large shield in the other, meant to embody the unsw
erving spirit of the people who could stand together in hope and dreams and overcome adversity.)
Host venue for FSC #118 December 2018 is : the International E
bition Centre in Kyiv, Ukraine. It is the largest e
bition center in Ukraine. Located in the western portion of Livoberezhna microdistrict, a residential neighborhood of Kyiv, the center was opened in October 2002 , and the
head of the center since its construction was Anatoly Tkachenko . The International E
bition Centre , was the host venue of the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest in 2017 . The center combines in a
single architectural ensemble three pavilions with a total area of 58.000 sqm, of which 28.018 m²
are for e
bitions . The complex has a congress hall and fourteen conference rooms with a capacity of 90-600 seats , meeting rooms, rooms for storing valuables and weapons, cafes and fast fo
od restaurants, bathrooms, and air conditioning. The centre has a capacity of about 11.000 seats
Our lovely Hosts this evening are:
Kateryna Osadcha and Volodymyr Ostapchuk
Kateryna Osadcha (born 1983 , Kyiv Ukraine), also known as Katya, is a popular Ukrainian televis
ion presenter known for the popular tv-show ‘ The Voice of Ukraine ’ (‘Holos Krainy’) , a Ukrainian
reality talent show that premiered on the 1+1 network on the 22nd May 2011. She has also been
presenter on the show ‘The Voice Kids’. She has also many years been presenter on the tv-show
‘Society Life’ which is about celebrities & celebrityevents. She is proud to cohost the FSC tonight
Volodymyr Ostapchuk (born 1984, Uman Ukraine) is a popular Ukrainian television presenter , voi
ce actor & radio host. He hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 alongside Oleksandr Skichko
and Timur Miroshnychenko. It was the first time that the Eurovision Song Contest was presented
by a male trio . He was perhaps, best known for Ukrainians , as the presenter on the breakfast tv-
show ‘Morning with Ukraine’ which he hosted for a period. He is proud to cohost the FSC tonight
And we are now pleased to announce
The Opening Act
an exclusive International Guest Appearance
by the Turkish Pop-legend famous since ‘90s
Tarkan
performing one of his
greatest hits from ‘97
’Şımarık’
Once again, welcome to the 118th edition of the Forum Song Contest.
Let the Show begin!
THE-
We are pleased to announce
The Interval Acts
a Special National Artist Performance
by the known Ukrainian popstyle band
ADAM
performing one of
their popular songs
’Taku Yak Ye’
-and-
a Special National Artist Performance
by the known Ukrainian pop/rock band
Lama
performing one of
their popular songs
’Pryvit, Pryvit’
We are pleased to announce
The Closing Act
an exclusive International Guest Appearance
by the famous Australian singer & songwriter
Lisa Gerrard
performing her famous melody
by Hans Zimmer from ‘Gladiator’
’Now We Are Free’
Thank You - and Good Night - from Kyiv - Ukraine!
7 day Evaluation Period
The Evaluation Period is 7 days from the beginning of the contest. If you find any songs that
you believe may break the FSC Rules , please contact the FSC Mods via PM (off the boards)
Voting deadline
28th December, 23:59 CET
Vote Collector (PM)
aardvark
OR Use your FSC Private Forum
Keep in mind, that only votes submitted in your FSC Private Forum, or sent to the FSC Mod Vote
Collector, after the Evaluation Period is finished - and within the voting deadline - will be counted
Enjoy! - and Good Luck To All Entries!
Merry Christmas, everyone! xsanta
Ukraine! 
... but ok let's keep the video version, I added both to my 
