Pereveslo was born from a moment in history when music became more than art — it became a way to stay connected, grounded, and human. Founded in Calgary by Kateryna Sakson, a Ukrainian conductor and music educator who serves as the organization’s Artistic Director and Conductor, Pereveslo emerged in response to the arrival of thousands of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Far from home, many newcomers were rebuilding their lives while carrying loss, uncertainty, and the need for connection. In that earliest days, Pereveslo took shape as a community choir — a modest gathering of voices seeking comfort, familiarity, and shared meaning. Rehearsals became a place where language barriers softened through song, where strangers became friends, and where music offered emotional stability and belonging. What began as a response to immediate human need quickly revealed a deeper potential. Year by year, the choir grew — not only in size, but in presence and purpose. The Pereveslo Community Choir began performing at community gatherings, charity concerts, church services, and cultural events across Calgary. Through these performances, the choir gradually became recognized as a meaningful cultural voice — one that carried both artistic quality and lived experience, resonating deeply with audiences and communities alike. As visibility increased, so did collaboration. Pereveslo built partnerships with cultural organizations, churches, community groups, and local initiatives, strengthening its role within Calgary’s multicultural ecosystem. The choir’s presence evolved from participation to contribution — becoming part of the city’s cultural dialogue. From this growing momentum, the Pereveslo Festival was born. What began as a small community celebration developed, year by year, into a vibrant annual cultural event — welcoming performers, families, volunteers, and community partners. The festival became a space where music, art, and shared celebration connected newcomers and long-established residents, transforming Pereveslo from a single ensemble into a visible cultural platform. At the same time, a new need emerged — one rooted in the future. Parents who found belonging through the choir wanted the same sense of connection and growth for their children. In response, Pereveslo Kids was created as a children’s choir and creative program — a space where young voices could develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and cultural awareness through music. Over time, Pereveslo Kids grew into a trusted place for artistic development, emotional expression, and intergenerational connection. Children who once watched their parents sing on stage began to stand there themselves — discovering their voices, building self-esteem, and becoming active participants in their cultural community. In 2024, following a period of sustained growth and community impact, Pereveslo formally incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization. This milestone marked an important transition — from a grassroots initiative responding to immediate community needs to a structured organization committed to long-term cultural, social, and educational impact. Today, Pereveslo continues to evolve. The organization expands its programs, deepens partnerships, and strengthens its role as a community-based cultural presence in Calgary. Through collective singing, education, and public cultural events, Pereveslo uses music as a tool for connection, resilience, and social cohesion — contributing to a more inclusive, compassionate, and culturally rich community.