Ukrainian singer Leléka has departed for Vienna with the national delegation to take part in Eurovision 2026. The artist plans to present a unique Kharkiv style of playing the bandura.
This was reported by Suspilne Kultura. Ahead of the trip, Leléka said she will showcase a Kharkiv method of bandura playing developed by Hnat Khotkevych based on the traditions of kobzars from Slobozhanshchyna. The technique was lost in Ukraine and preserved by emigrants in Australia, the United States and Canada.
In early April, the singer presented the contest version of the song Ridnym accompanied by the GRAFF string quintet and bandura player Yaroslav Dzhus.
On May 5, Leléka will take part in the first rehearsal at Vienna’s Stadthalle, the main venue of this year’s contest. She will perform in the second semifinal on May 14 under number 12.
The performance is directed by Illia Dutsyk.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna. The grand final is scheduled for May 16, while the semifinals will take place on May 12 and 14. A total of 35 countries will participate.
Up to 20 semifinal winners will advance to the final, along with automatic qualifiers — the “Big Five” countries (the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy) and last year’s winner Austria. Spain has withdrawn from the contest for the first time.
Suspilne will broadcast Eurovision 2026 live on television, digital platforms and radio.
