At the heart of Eurasia neighboring Russia, Romania, Poland and the Black Sea, Ukraine’s centuries of history live on through a stunning blend of traditional arts and crafts, awe-inspiring monuments, and the pride of Ukrainian citizens in their language and music. Visit the capital Kiev, at the heart of the ancient Kievan Rus Empire, for medieval architecture, gorgeous Eastern Orthodox cathedrals replete with Orthodox iconography and a number of museums commemorating modern Ukraine’s contributions to the world of art and literature. See Odessa and the famous Opera and Ballet Theater there filled with Ukrainian musical and even military history. And visit Dnipro to see more of the beautiful sights of Ukraine framed by the equally beautiful Dnieper river.

Ukraine’s many music cultures continue to flourish: major cities have their own philharmonic orchestras while choirs run the range from Western classical to Orthodox polyphonic church music to Ukrainian folk songs. Experience the opportunity to learn from, collaborate with, and be a part of the multifaceted culture with a tour of this beautiful country.

Classical Movements started in 1992 with tours to Russia and Ukraine as Blue Heart Travel.  At one time, we were the biggest company to operate tours to Russia. Besides many, many (literally hundreds of groups) to Russia, the first major musical tour was in September 1993 when we had the distinct and unique pleasure of arranging the concert tour for the Choral Arts Society of Washington in their historic tour to Russia with Slava Rostropovich and the National Symphony Orchestra. Since then, the company has conducted many successful musical tours in some of the region’s most esteemed concert venues. We have also worked with a number of Ukrainian groups including the Ukrainian Bandurist Choir and the Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

Sights & Sounds

  • Kyiv, historical capital of the Kyivan Rus Empire
  • Mummies at the Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra
  • Khan’s Palace in Bakhchysaray
  • Island town of Kamyanets-Podilsky
  • Derybasivska Street in Odessa
  • Folk music traditions
  • Home of Vladimir Horovyts

Testimonials

Press

“The warm reception from the French people restored energy and health, as did the raucously enthusiastic audiences, packed houses, rave reviews, radio broadcasts, and extended ovations…”

-Peabody News | Sept, 1996

“The Wednesday flight from Barcelona to Lisbon had the most stringent bag restrictions yet, with hefty fines for those deemed too heavy. But the loaded-down musicians were allowed to board unimpeded. ‘Neeta worked her magic,’ murmured one.”

-Philadelphia Inquirer, David Patrick Stearns | Feb. 6, 2009

“The musical director and conductor of the Yale Glee Club said the group chose the destination ‘because of the wonderful friendships they discovered in Turkey.’ The Turkish word ‘dost’ (friends for life) is the reason we are performing in Istanbul,’ said Jeff Douma.”

-Hürriyet Daily News, Hatice Utkan | August 5, 2010

“We were met by friendly and caring guides who spoke excellent English and were sophisticated in matters relating to history, architecture and the way of life in Russia, both at the times of the czars and of the Soviet Union. A folkloric performance was of outstanding artistic quality.”

-International Travel News | Aug, 1998

“Deputy Chief of US Mission Kent Logsdon thanked Classical Movements for organizing such an amazing concert tour and praised YAC (Yale Alumni Chorus) musicians for their great charity activities and Vakhtang Kahidze for his wonderful orchestra.”

-Georgia Messenger, Salome Modebadze | June 28, 2011

“Yale Glee Club’s first trip to Spain in more than 50 years earlier this month ‘was fantastic,’ says maestro Jeffrey Douma. ‘We had a great time. We gave concerts in Barcelona and Madrid and in two smaller towns.’”

-New Haven Register, Joe Amarente | March 26, 2015

“Blue Heart Tours, the only U.S. operator that visits security-restricted Russian space centers, is planning a package around the first stay by American astronauts on Mir, the world’s only permanent space station…travelers will have the opportunity to meet the astronauts and watch their space shuttle launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.”

-Travel Weekly | Oct. 10, 1994

“Neeta Helms, president of Classical Movements explains: ‘We are very aware that parents of the children pay a lot to give their children this [travel and music] experience. For them it’s a trip of a lifetime, and we want to deliver a high-quality music product.’”

-Opus Osm, Mary Matz | July 18, 2011