Triumph of Ukrainian Culture in Canada: Axios Choir Wins Prestigious Juno Award 2026

At a solemn award ceremony held in Hamilton, the Axios Choir proudly announced its victory at the prestigious Juno Awards 2026. This award has become a landmark event not only for the choir itself but also for the entire Ukrainian culture in Canada. The news of this victory was reported by Ukrinform, referencing the official Juno Awards website.

The winning piece, which brought the choir this honor, was composed by American composer Benedict Shigen. It is noteworthy that the idea of creating a requiem emerged in 2022, immediately after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The choir's head, Dmytro Zakordonsky, along with his colleagues, aimed to create not just an artistic project but a true spiritual support and prayer in memory of the victims of the genocidal war.

The album's recording featured 52 performers, including not only members of the Axios Choir but also the professional choir Pro Coro Canada, as well as soloists from Ukraine, including opera singers and priests. This collaboration of talents marked an important phase in realizing the concept that combines art and remembrance of the tragedy that befell the Ukrainian people.

Taras Podilskyi, one of the choir members, shared his emotions after receiving the award. He noted that it was an incredible honor for amateur singers to surpass such renowned nominees as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 'It's hard to believe that we—amateur singers—together with professionals could achieve such a goal. We felt this music, this requiem for our soldiers. This is not just a performance; it is a spiritual experience. We are glad that Canadians saw the essence in this work,' emphasized Taras Podilskyi, expressing pride in the choir's achievement.

During their stage appearance, the choir members demonstrated unity not only in singing but also in details: all participants were dressed in embroidered butterflies made by artisans in war-torn Ukraine. This costume element highlighted the choir's deep connection to their native culture and traditions, becoming a symbol of resilience and indomitability of the Ukrainian people.

The victory of the Axios Choir is historic, as it is the first time a purely Ukrainian artistic collective has won a Juno Award. Composer Benedict Shigen, although not of Ukrainian descent, skillfully woven elements of the Ukrainian anthem and traditional litanies into the fabric of the requiem, making the piece even more significant for the Ukrainian community.

Thanks to the support of the Buduchnist Credit Union, the Axios Choir will embark on a nationwide tour in November 2026. Performances are scheduled in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, London, and Toronto, taking place on November 12 and 15. The collective is also considering future tours in Europe and Ukraine, which will be another step in promoting Ukrainian culture on the international stage.

It is worth noting that recently, a Christmas concert by the Canadian Bandurist Capella took place at the Humber Valley United Church in Toronto, further highlighting the vibrancy of the Ukrainian cultural scene in Canada. Thus, the Axios Choir's victory at the Juno Awards stands as a vivid example of how Ukrainian culture continues to evolve and gain recognition worldwide.

Photo: CARAS/ FUZE Reps/ O’shane Howard

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