In Memory of the Orpheus of the 20th Century

On January 28, 2026, the cultural and artistic event “In Memory of the Orpheus of the 20th Century: Rainer Maria Rilke in Ukrainian Culture” took place, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth and the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

The event was initiated by the Arts Department of the Lesya Ukrainka Public Library in cooperation with the Austrian Library Kyiv at the V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, with the support of the Austrian Embassy Kyiv.

Among the distinguished guests were the Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine Robert Müller and the Ambassador of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine Felix Baumann.

Professor Ivan Mehela presented his research on Rilke’s work and his connections to Ukraine. Translator Oleh Zhupanskyj read his own translations of Rilke’s poems, offering new nuances and interpretations. The evening was moderated by journalist Andrij Kulykow, who guided the discussion with depth and sensitivity.

The event concluded with the theatrical performance “Encounter at the Crossroads” and a book exhibition featuring editions from the library collections.

Special thanks to Leonid Kryvorutschko for his contribution to the realization of the event.

📸 Photo: Andrij Sanitskyj