Sheet music, a stamp, a coin...

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed the resolution No. 1318 with 236 votes in favor on January 15, calling upon the government to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Mykhailo Verbytsky, which will occur on March 4, 2015. The resolution recommends that the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine ensure relevant TV and radio broadcasts’ creation, and it is suggested also that the Ukrposhta mail service issue a special commemorative postage stamp.

A few days earlier, president of Ukraine issued decree No. 6/2015, ordering the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as well to develop, with input from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and adopt an action plan for the preparation and celebration of Verbytsky’s 200th birth anniversary and 150th anniversary of the first public performance of the national anthem.

The decree calls for celebrations, thematic cultural and artistic events, research conferences, roundtables, and other “activities aiming to explore and promote the creative heritage of Verbytsky and the history of the national anthem’s creation” to be held.

Importantly, the decree provides for publishing collections of Verbytsky’s sheet music and releasing his musical heritage on CDs, as well as publishing an anniversary book on the history of the national anthem of Ukraine and careers of its creators.

In addition to the anniversary postage stamp, the decree provides for minting and issuing a commemorative coin and an envelope.

Another important provision contained in the decree reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine should take measures to clean up Verbytsky’s grave site in Poland and have Ukraine’s diplomatic missions abroad to commemorate the famous Ukrainian composer in cooperation with representatives of Ukrainian communities abroad.”