Our 2017 Performer lineup
Note: Performer listing is subject to change
2017 Headliner - Mad heads ca
Mad Heads are the legend of Ukrainian rock music. The coeval of the Independence, founded by its constant leader Vadym Krasnooky 25 years ago, the band has come through many musical transformations and touring adventures, released 8 studio albums and 27 music videos, got into soundtracks of many movies and TV series, performed over 1,000 shows in 12 countries around the world. The songs “Nadiya Yea”, “A ya na mori” and many others are sung by people all over Ukraine and far beyond. There is a music festival NADIYA YEA in the USA, and a charity fund of the same name in Ukraine. Ringtune “A ya na mori” is one of the digital best seller on Ukrainian market with over 1,000,000 installations applied, and funny “Smereka” music video has reached about 2,500,000 views on YouTube. Apart from original hits, the band actively experiments with Ukrainian folk songs, playing them in a modern rock sound. Vadym Krasnooky is also well known for his social activities in support and development of Ukrainian language, Ukrainian culture and transformation of Ukrainian society towards democracy. MAD HEADS were among the first to perform on stages of Orange Maidan 2004 and Euro Maidan 2013, played concerts in ATO zone, helped fundraising to support the Ukrainian Army. The music of MAD HEADS is optimistic and full of positive vibrations while live shows are bright and powerful. Do you want to raise your spirit to maximum? Do you want a good party? These guys know how to do it! So it’s no surprise they are considered one of the most busy touring bands of Ukraine. Recently VADYM KRASNOOKY came to Canada to take care of some new music projects which then resulted in the formation of a Canadian version of Mad Heads XL appropriately named Mad Heads CA. Mad Heads CA continues with the original front man, professional musicians, the best hit songs of the band, the same positive attitude, and great live rock-n-roll.
ALEXANDRA BELEY
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Ukrainian-Canadian Alexandra Beley is quickly establishing herself as an up and coming young mezzo-soprano. Alexandra recently completed two years at L’Atelier Lyrique with Opéra de Montréal, where she made her debut with the company singing Berta (Il barbiere di Siviglia). The following year, Alexandra sang Second Maid in Strauss’s Elektra under the baton of esteemed conductor and upcoming Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Prior to her time in Montreal, Alexandra completed a year in Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program, where she made her debut singing the title role in The Rape of Lucretia. Other roles include Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel), Dinah (Trouble in Tahiti), and Stéphano (Roméo et Juliette). Alexandra is thrilled to be making her debut with Bicycle Opera this season. Other highlights in Alexandra’s 2017-2018 season include a return to Opéra de Montréal as Gertrude in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette.
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ANDREY SVYRSA
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Andrey Svyrsa is a singer (tenor), trombone player and composer originally from Ukraine and now living in Montreal. He graduated from the Trombone Classical Music Institute and the Concert Hall for classical and jazz vocals. Andrey went on tour in China with the famous choreographer Vadim Pisarev and had solo concerts for an audience of one thousand people. He worked in opera in Ukraine. He was twice a diploma winner at the international jazz festival.
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ARKAN DANCE COMPANY
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The Ukrainian Academy of Dance has trained over 1500 dancers since it was founded in 1987. This year the school celebrated its 30th anniversary. Arkan Dance Company was launched as the performing ensemble of the Academy. Since their formation, Arkan has performed at International festivals in Florida, New York and Boston, U.S.A, Taiwan, Brazil, at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, Drummondville, Quebec, Nova Scotia, China, Mexico, Turkey, Italy, Korea, Ukraine and Indonesia. This summer Arkan traveled to Florida along with its younger ensemble groups and performed in Disney World as well as in St. Petersburg.
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BANDURA BEYOND BORDERS
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Bandura Beyond Borders is an instrumental bandura quartet made up of close friends Borys Ostapienko, Orest Chornomaz, Oleksander Petlura and Ivan Dusanowskyj. Together, they approach the bandura from a new, fresh perspective. In traditional ensembles, the bandura is used for accompanying singing, but Bandura Beyond Borders demonstrates that the bandura can have a voice of its own. The group’s skillful playing showcases the bandura as a versatile and expressive instrument that can be used to play different styles of music, including classical, adaptations of popular music, and inventive arrangements of traditional Ukrainian songs. Bandura Beyond Borders has entertained audiences from New York City to Sault Ste Marie. The quartert also share their passion for the bandura and inspire people of all ages to learn through the Toronto Bandura School, which they founded together in 2015.
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BARVINOK - HAMILTON
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The Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Hamilton has been in existence for over 60 years. It is comprised of 35 students between the ages of 3 to 16 years. Located inside Holy Spirit Church Hall, all classes have the opportunity to promote our Ukrainian culture throughout the year at various church celebrations, fairs, concerts and anniversary events held within the GTA and the Hamilton, Wentworth & Niagara regions. They have also appeared on television, performing on the revival of the “Tiny Talent Time” show. Under the direction and choreography of Michael Stechey and Nadine Usyk, the group has flourished with an expanding repertoire of dances, performances and student enrollment. The purpose of Barvinok Hamilton is to provide its dancers with an exciting educational experience while encouraging a greater interest in Ukrainian dance and culture. This year, they have 3 different age groups each enthusiastic to perform.
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BARVINOK - Mississauga
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For over 40 years Barvinok has been providing traditional Ukrainian dance instruction in the church hall of the Dormition of the Mother of God Church (St. Mary's) in Mississauga. Barvinok has represented the Ukrainian Community of Mississauga on local, regional, national and international levels. Today, Barvinok provides instruction to over 425 students of different ages. Within the Metropolitan Toronto Area, Barvinok has danced at Ontario Place, Toronto City Hall, North York Civic Center, Toronto International Center, City T.V. Breakfast Television, Telelatino T.V. Station, Toronto Caravan, Italian Festival, as well as at the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Independence Day Celebrations, Barrie Ukrainian Dance Festival and Oakville Ukrainian Festival. Each year Barvinok has the privilege of performing at the Ukraine Pavilion of Carassauga. Under the direction of their truly gifted Artistic Director, Fedir Danylak, Barvinok has gained a reputation as an exciting and dynamic performing group. Barvinok has recently returned from a very successful tour of Ukraine.
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BARVY BAND
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The Barvy band was founded in 2012 under the name Lvivsky Batyary. Later the musicians worked with the band Zorepad, and then during the last two years the band was renewed with young musicians and changed its name to "Barvy". They have participated in many Ukrainian festivals throughout Canada and the USA. The leader of the group is Mykola Romanko. The band can be contacted at 905-624 6698 or 440-539 0541 (cell).
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BOSONIZH - Montreal
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The “Bosonizh” (Barefoot) band from Montreal started performing in August 2016 in a joint performance with Taras Chubaj from Ukraine. In September they performed at the Montreal Ukrainian festival. Over the past 11 months, Bosonizh has become an inalienable cultural part of the Ukrainian community in the city of Montreal. It is a rare holiday or a concert that does not include them, e.g. Ivan Kupala, volleyball tournament, Halloween, New Year's Eve, performance in gratitude to the volunteers of the Ukrainian festival in Montreal, performance with Annychka, even the jubilee of the Stozhary Theater. The band creates its own music and writes its own lyrics and performs in an alternative rock style.
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BRIAN CHERWICK
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Brian Cherwick is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed throughout North America, Europe and Ukraine as a soloist, with a number of folk ensembles, and as leader the speed-folk band The Kubasonics. With a Ph.D. in Ukrainian Folklore and Ethnomusicology from the University of Alberta (1999), and special studies at the National Musical Academy of Ukraine (1987-88), his research work has documented musical traditions of Ukrainians throughout western Canada and western Ukraine. He has composed, arranged and conducted music for choirs, dance ensembles, film scores and radio. Brian Cherwick’s solo shows are a fascinating excursion through the world of Ukrainian folk music with a unique blend of entertainment and educational experience, spiced with a healthy dose of humour.
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CANADIAN BANDURIST CAPELLA
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The Canadian Bandurist Capella is one of the premiere bandura ensembles in the North America. The group showcases powerful male voices accompanied by the rich sound of the contemporary bandura. The CBC is committed to advancing and exploring new possibilities with choral-bandura music, while honouring the instrument’s deep history. By expressing traditional music through modern, dynamic arrangements, the Canadian Bandurist Capella provides a unique listening experience that raises the profile of the Bandura and Ukrainian song in the Ukrainian Community and beyond. The Canadian Bandurist Capella is performing at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival under the direction of Choirmaster and Interim Conductor Pavlo Fondera.
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CHERVONI MAKY
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Chervoni Maky have been singing together for many years. Singing in the Trio are first soprano - Nadia Kochansky, second soprano - Oksana Rohatyn-Wasylyk and Alto -Danusia Rycar. Piano accompaniment is provided by Michael Bubna. The Trio’s repertoire ranges from Sacred Music, Classical music, Ukrainian Folk, Ukrainian modern and quite a large repertoire of non-Ukrainian music. Their harmonies are quite intricate and they have been praised for their interpretation of songs. Chervoni Maky have been very fortunate in that they have performed in many parts of Canada, USA, England, Poland and Ukraine. Over the past few years, Chervoni Maky have performed at many festival, caravans, banquets, private parties and award evenings. Currently, a young Ukrainian Canadian composer is writing a song specifically for the Trio to perform.
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CRIMEAN TATAR QIRIM YALYSY
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Troupe Qirim Yalysy (Crimean Coast) was organized in the 1980s by the Crimean Tatars Association of New York. The troupe members include immigrants and their children, as well as professional dancers and musicians of the ensemble "Uchan-Su" (Falls) from the Crimea and the state ensemble "Tavria" (Ukraine). Qirim Yalysy has performed at events such as "Qirim Gedgesy" (Crimean Evening) - an annual event dedicated to the tragic date of May 18, the day of deportation of the Crimean Tatar people, at the Romanian embassy in the United States, at various New York State colleges, and at an event on the occasion of the celebration of the Battle of Gravel in New York City’s Central Park. In 2006, the ensemble took part in the festival of Turkic peoples, organized by UNESCO "Turk Sou" in Washington with a performance called "Navrez Bayrami" (Holiday Navruz). Especially for the Toronto Ukrainian Festival Seyran Adilov will perform Nogay folklore song following by the national Crimean Tatar choreographic composition "Agrava haytarma" performing by Evelina Asanova and Nuri Seit-Abdulla.
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DESNA DANCERS
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For over 45 years, the Desna Ukrainian dancers from Toronto have been dazzling audiences throughout Canada, the US and abroad with a wide repertoire of Ukrainian dances with the goal to preserve Ukrainian tradition. Desna draws its constant inspiration from the incredible creative vision of Artistic Directors Yuri and Luba Grekov, graduates of the Academy of Dance of Pavlo Virsky in Kyiv, Ukraine and former members of the famed Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company. Together, Yuri and Luba teach the Virsky style of Ukrainian dance. This past summer Desna went on a Ukrainian Dance workshop tour where they traveled to Ukraine and participated in workshops at Virsky Studios in Kyiv, and sharpened up their sword skills in the Carpathian Mountains. They also performed at the Ottawa Ukrainian Festival, Mississauga Ukrainian Festival and at many other local performances and weddings.
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DESNA SCHOOL - TEACH ME TO DANCE
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DESNA School is a Toronto-based Ukrainian dance school under the artistic direction of Virksy trained Luba and Yuri Grekov. This is a place where children not only experience Ukrainian culture and tradition, but also create lasting friendships and attain unforgettable memories. DESNA School consists of children aged 2 to 14, who practice once a week at the Plast Huculak Centre. The dancers have performed on many stages including Nathan Phillips Square and The Living Arts Centre. This summer they will be traveling to Dauphin, Manitoba and Chicago. Next summer they will be travelling to Ukraine to learn more about their heritage and where it all began.
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DIANA MYTULYNSKA - Virginia
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Diana Mytulynska is a 19-year-old singer originally from Ternopil, Ukraine and currently living in Williamsburg, Virginia. She has competed and sung in various festivals both in Ukraine and in the United States. Diana graduated from a music school in Ukraine, and is now studying in college as a music major.
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DOROTKA GENEVIEVE ANDRUSIAK - MONTREAL
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Dorotka Geneviève Andrusiak is a 19 year old singer from Montreal, Quebec. She studies Jazz/Pop voice at Vanier College and has been singing Ukrainian folk songs ever since she can remember. Dorotka is a very active Plast member and has just returned from the UMPZ 2017 held in Germany/Austria. She plans on continuing her studies in music and performing every opportunity she gets!
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DOVIRA
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The band is fronted by Ukrainian-born pianist/vocalist/composer Stacey Yerofeyeva, and joined by composer/sound designer Mike Romaniak; a pioneer in integrating the sopilka (a traditional Ukrainian flute-like instrument) with guitar pedals & effects. The group also features guitarist, electronics, and synth master Patrick O’Reilly. DoVira, whose name translates to ‘trust’ in Ukrainian, released their first EP ’Obrys’ (or ‘Outline’) in 2014. The EP featured re-mastered versions of such successful debut singles as ‘Yihav Kozak Mistom’, featuring the Sudanese multi- instrumentalist Waleed Abdulhamid (currently celebrating 50,000+ views on YouTube). DoVira’s second release was their debut full-length album, self- titled as ‘DoVira’ on November 25th, 2016. Recorded at Canterbury Music Company in Toronto, the album features nine guest artists, including Juno-award winning tabla virtuoso Ed Hanley (Autorickshaw), woodwind master Ernie Tollar (Tasa), percussionist Derek Gray (Ventanas), Georgian polyphony specialist Andrea Kuzmich (Darbazi, ZARI), and Slavic village-voice singer Anastasia Baczynskyj (Lemon Bucket Orkestra), and more. The album singles out the Ukrainian folk melody as the point of departure for a musical treasure hunt within tradition. The album singles out the Ukrainian folk melody as the point of departure for a musical treasure hunt within tradition. For more information, stay tuned to doviraband.com and follow @doviraband on Facebook.
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DUNAI
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The Dunai band based out of Toronto, has been a cornerstone in the Ukrainian music scene for more than two decades. The band has performed at all major Ukrainian festivals throughout North America, as well as at numerous private venues in Los Angeles, New York, Edmonton and San Diego. Dunai has recently released its third album, Dunai 3 to international acclaim. Dunai is currently planning to tour Ukraine in the near future.
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IHOR AND ANDRIANA ARTEMIAK
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Ihor and Andriana Artemiak are a married singing duo originally from Ternopil, Ukraine. For many years they have performed at international festivals and concerts, supporting Ukrainian song and culture of their native country.
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GUERRILLA-FOLK-PARTY-PUNK
KALYNA DANCE ENSEMBLE - HAMILTON
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Just a few years ago, a group of young and motivated individuals came together to comprise the Kalyna Dance Ensemble, based in Hamilton, Ontario. With just a hand full of dedicated dancers, Kalyna has flourished into a recognizable and respectable group whose humble beginnings allow them to be fine representatives of Ukrainian-Canadian youth. By performing at countless weddings, festivals, Malankas and fund-raisers across Ontario and Quebec, Kalyna is devoted to fostering Ukrainian tradition through dance. These life-long performers of Ukrainian dance continue to excite audiences while strengthening their Ukrainian identity and expanding cultural diversity. As this ensemble continues to take part in a multitude of functions and events, their passion and enthusiasm are demonstrated in each performance.
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KALYNA DANCE ENSEMBLE - TORONTO
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Established as a classical Ukrainian dance company supported by members of UNYF (Ukrainian National Youth Federation), Kalyna has been recognized as a traditional Ukrainian dance treasure since its founding in 1960 by Artistic Director Seman Dzugan. 2016 marked the revival of Kalyna. Currently, under the direction of Stefan Kuziw, Kalyna Performing Arts Company is experiencing an unprecedented level of artistic excellence. Stefan’s life long passion and enthusiasm for Ukrainian dance is displayed through his constant and extensive research resulting in unique, dynamic and high caliber Virsky inspired choreography for his experienced semi professional dancers, whom are dedicated to mastering his choreography. Stefan and Kalyna dancers believe that as essential as it is for them to enjoy performing on stage, it is equally as valuable for their audience to experience this journey with them.
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KALENDAR
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Based in Toronto, Kalendar extends the ancient singing traditions of rural Ukraine into a contemporary and relevant transnational urban practice. Taking time to study with great performers (Marichka Marcyk and Dakha Brakha) the singers of Kalendar embrace the stylistics details of “Ridnyj Holos.” We perform at weddings, cultural events, and festivals but our most elaborate work to date occurred in the spring of 2017: with generous support from the Ontario Arts Council, the Shevchenko Foundation, and the Ukrainian Credit Union, Kalendar commissioned and premiered Marichka Marcyk’s original multi-media work, ZEMLYA/EARTH: A Ukrainian Folk Opera to a sold-out audience at Toronto’s St Vladimir Institute. Whether it be an elaborate stage performance or a folkloric collaboration with Kosa Kolektiv, according to Ukie Daily, Kalendar’s performances are known to “transplant you deep in a rural Ukrainian village.”
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KARAOKE NA SELI (IN THE VILLAGE) - UKRAINE
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The beauty of the Ukrainian song, the wit of the Cossack humor, the sincerity and openness of the Galician soul - all this has been gathered in a large-scale singing project "KARAOKE NA SELI (IN THE VILLAGE)". The hosts of this television program shown on the “First Western” channel in Ukraine, are Ivanka and Slavko. Every week, the program travels to Ukrainian villages and towns to find folk talents, raise local people's mood, rally them and make them recall those favorite motifs, songs and melodies that accompany Ukrainians throughout their lives - from children's lullabies to weddings and dining. http://www.1zahid.com/index.php/proekti/rodinne-muzichne-shou-karaoke-na-seli.html
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KOLIZHANKY - Ottawa
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Kolizhanky - Friends - joined together by their love of rural songs of Ukrainian village women, is an Ottawa-based singing group. They bring to life traditional village songs of work, love, nature, and ancient rituals. Kolizhanky has been singing together since the spring of 2015 and have performed at several Ottawa community events including Malanka 2016 and the Capital Ukrainian Festival. They also travelled to the Toronto Ukrainian Festival in 2016 and have participated in workshops with Rozhanytsia and Mark and Marichka Marczyk of Lemon Bucket Orkestra.
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KORINYA - New York
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Korinya is a young band from New York state that has been performing in the US and Canada since 2005. The band presents Ukrainian folk music in a fresh, grassroots way. Listening to their music evokes the voices of the steppes, the cheerful melody of the sopilka, and the strong, soulful sound of the fiddle sounds that are so representative of their Ukrainian roots. They are proud to have won first place at the Boyko Festival (Ukraine) in 2012.
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KUBASONICS - Newfoundland
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The Kubasonics, Newfoundland's finest Ukrainian band, combine expert musicianship, quirky humor, a dizzying array of exotic traditional instruments, and an electric high energy stage show that appeals to all tastes. With five CDs under their belt, they've taken Ukrainian music to places that it has never been before. With performances across Canada, Ukraine and the Caribbean, and even on Hockey Night in Canada, the Toronto Ukrainian Festival marks the end of the band’s four country tour of Eastern Europe.
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LIRA TRIO
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About five years ago a series of events conspired to bring Roma, Vera and Ivanka together. That first performance in Toronto felt magical and it was as though Trio Lira was meant to be, and they have continued on their incredible musical journey together. They have sung and continue to perform at a variety of large and smaller events including the well-known annual Ukrainian Festivals in Toronto, Mississauga and Oakville and soon, Ottawa. Most recently they had the honour of performing at the 2017 Ukrainian Humanitarian Award Gala at the Old Mill honouring Dr. Oleh Antonyshyn. Last fall, they co-produced and released their first full length CD and have had wonderfully positive feedback since then. They are expanding their repertoire regularly, and are including some English material here and there to keep things fun. Trio Lira look forward to continuing on this journey and are hoping to record a Christmas CD in the future.
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LVIV DANCE ENSEMBLE - Oshawa
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The Lviv Dance Ensemble of Oshawa had its inception 40 years ago, under the auspices of the UCWL #2 of St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church, who offer their unwavering support, appreciating, & recognizing just how invaluable it is to encourage & propagate the rich traditions of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage. The group has 70 dancers, aged 4-26. Under the artistic directorship of Dr. Sally Shlapak, the senior dancers, here, present a unique repertoire of folk, classical, and character dance, of the different regions of Ukraine. The Ensemble performs in and around the Oshawa, Whitby, Durham Region, for numerous & diverse venues, for the Bishop, and other religious & cultural events. They have revelled in performing at the World Youth Day celebrations, at weddings & anniversaries, at the Toronto C.N.E., the Oakville Ukrainian Festival, for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, at Barrie's Ukrainian Festival, at London's Ukie Fest, and have travelled twice, to perform 4 shows each, at Disneyworld in Florida. The group is thrilled & excited to return to Toronto and perform again, here, at the Bloor West Ukrainian Festival!
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Mira Solovianenko
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Mira Solovianenko, soprano, and a Distinguished Artist of Ukraine. Mira's operatic career spans over 10 years of performances and appearances across Europe, South and North America. She has headlined and starred in productions at Kyiv operatic stages, performed with the National Academic Choir of Ukraine and has served as a lead vocalist at the prestigious National Organ and Chamber Music Hall of Ukraine. She took part in performances in Ukraine as well as in over 20 international festivals and concert tours in the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, as well as concert tours in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. A resident of Toronto since 2014, Mira's repertoire includes music ranging from baroque to classical, and modern, incorporating music of composers like Bach, Handel, Caccini, Pergolesi, Vivaldi, Puccini and Sartori among others. Mira will be performing with Pavlo Fondera, a Ukrainian musician, singer, choirmaster, librettist, poet and playwright as well as with Vadym Yaromchuk, a leading actor-vocalist of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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MOSKITTO BAR
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From BAGHDAD to BRITTANY , MOSKITTO BAR is a ''voyage'' with crossing between Celtic/ Middle Eastern/ Balkan/ Gypsy music. It started with the connection of three talented artist playing in the woods at OM Gathering, Ontario while the moskittos were feeding on them. MOSKITTO BAR is composed of Ahmed Moneka from Baghdad, Iraq on drum and voice, Yura Rafaluik from Lviv, Ukraine on cimbalom, and Tangi Ropars from Brittany, France on bouton accordion.
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OLHA OLIYNYK
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Olha Oliynyk was born in Ukraine where she studied bandura at Mykolaiv’s State College of Culture in the faculty of Conductor of Folk Instruments Orchestra. Her studies were terminated by her family’s immigration to Canada and she stopped playing for over 20 years. With recent availability in her schedule and renewed desire, she is picking up the skills of playing and singing with the bandura.
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OTAVA
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The band Otava, originally from Ternopil, Ukraine and currently residing in the Greater Toronto area, is a group who sings and performs a creative fusion of traditional Ukrainian and Lemko folk songs with a modern twist, as well as carols and hayivky, Cossack songs and songs of a spiritual nature. They have graced audiences in Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy and more recently, in Canada.
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OZERO
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Ozero is an Ukrainian-Canadian electro-folk group originating in the GTA. Influenced by the likes of ONUKA, Made in Ukraine, and 90s/2K dance music, they look to push the boundaries of the Ukrainian zabava scene with a multitude of synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines. Ozero blends traditional Ukrainian folk songs with luscious, melodic dance beats to create the modern sounds they hope to be known for. Currently in studio, they plan to have several releases by year's end, and are planning several shows across North America in the near future.
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POLKY VILLAGE BAND
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Polky Village Band is a new professional Eastern European folk band in Toronto. Most of their repertoire is comprised of songs and dances that singer Ewelina Ferenc and dancer Ala Stasiuk learned growing up in Poland. Ewelina also lived in Ukraine and she is an active member of the Ukrainian community in Toronto. Matti Palonen, Tristan Murphy and Georgia Hathaway are Canadian professional musicians playing the tunes using traditional instruments: tsymbaly, jouhikko, fiddle, accordion, tapan and frame drum. They have performed at Polish, Ukrainian, and Lemko cultural events and they can move to dance even those with two left feet.
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ROSSA TRIO - Montreal
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Sonia Kulycky, Dania Kolanitch and Natalia Bedik of Montreal’s Rossa trio, best friends and singing partners since childhood, continue to wow audiences for their precise harmonies and smooth vocal range through various performances including the Spivanka documentary produced by Heart and Soul media. They look forward to this year’s festival with a musical interpretation that is sure to capture the hearts of their audience, including a selection from their CD release. These 3rd generation singers, Sheptycky Ukrainian school graduates, members of Plast, CYM, and the Troyanda dance ensemble are welcomed back to the stage.
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RUSLAN YAKOVIYCHUK - Kingston
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Ruslan Yakoviychuk, born in Bukovуna,Ukraine to a family of musicians, is a brass band orchestra director and trumpet player. He graduated from the Chernivtsi School of Music, Department of Wind Instruments. Life sent him on a different career path, yet music has always remained entrenched in his soul. He composed his first work in 2000, however the recording studio eluded him until much later. Upon immigrating to Canada in 2005, Ruslan started a construction company in Kingston, Ontario. This year Ruslan recorded his first songs and on April 21, 2016 appeared for the first time on stage at the Opera House in Toronto, opening for the popular Ukrainian band Antytila. Ruslan anticipates his first album will come to fruition later this year.
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RUTHANN CLAYTON
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Ruthann Clayton, award winning singer-songwriter, recording engineer, was adopted from a Ukrainian home, in Toronto. Her roots run deep and have taken her back to Ukraine twice. A love for the people, culture and artistry, is evident in her passionate, creative sound. Recently, she became certified as a sound therapist, and she works with others, to help heal, and release stress from the body mind and spirit, using alternative instruments and techniques. Her unique sound and use of alternative approaches to music, help others connect to themselves in a way not often heard or experienced. She resides in the Beaches, Toronto, where she works in private practice as a sound healer.
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SOFI FRASER
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Sofi Fraser is a Ukrainian-born composer, songwriter, pianist and vocalist currently residing in Florida and working on the Sofi Fraser Project. She started her musical career at 6 years of age in the Lviv region of Ukraine first as a pianist, then as a choir singer and then as a solo vocalist, taking part in different concerts, festivals, and competitions in Ukraine as well as in different European countries. In 2008, she completed a musical college program in Drogobych as a pianist. In 2013, she finished the music conservatory as a master in piano, concertmaster and in chamber art. She created a rock group and later a folk group called "Zhyva". Between 2013 and 2015 she continued to study at the national music conservatory as a doctor of chamber music. Currently Sofi is working with a charity lullaby project, dedicated to Kvitka Cisyk, trying to help many orphaned children in Ukraine and creating beautiful music for children (which can be heard on Kyiv radio stations and on the MALYATKO TV). The Sofi Fraser Project is experimenting with different styles of music. Due to unforeseen circumstances and the tragic effects of Hurricane Irma, Sofi is unable to attend this year's festival.
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ST. DEMETRIUS BANDURA ENSEMBLE
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The St. Demetrius Bandura Ensemble is composed of members of the St. Demetrius Bandura School at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Demetrius in Etobicoke, Ontario. The Bandura School was established in 1983, and is beginning its 35th year of providing weekly instruction on bandura technique, theory, style and performance, to students ranging in age from seven years old up to university students and young adults. The St. Demetrius Bandura Ensemble continues to perform regularly at local church concerts and functions, as well as at various events in the Toronto area. In 2015, the ensemble released its CD entitled “Sounds of the Bandura” – a collection of 26 tracks including pieces from Traditional Ukrainian, Liturgical, Classical, Popular and other genres. The St. Demetrius Bandura School and Ensemble are directed by Ron Demeda. Learn more about the St. Demetrius Bandura School at: www.stdemetriusuoc.ca/bandura.html
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TEACH ME TO DANCE
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The Desna school is a Toronto-based Ukrainian dance school under the artistic direction of Virksy trained Luba and Yuri Grekov. This is a place where children not only experience Ukrainian culture and tradition, but also create lasting friendships and attain unforgettable memories. Desna School consists of children aged 2 to 14, who practice once a week at the Plast Huculak Centre. The dancers have performed on many stages including Nathan Phillips Square and The Living Arts Centre. This summer they will be travelling to Dauphin, Manitoba and Chicago. Next summer they will be travelling to Ukraine to learn more about their heritage and where it all began.
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TYRSA - Halton region
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In 1977, a small group of young Canadians of Ukrainian descent showed a keen interest in keeping their dance culture alive. Their perseverance led them to their first major performance in Dauphin, Manitoba. They adopted the name Tyrsa, a wild grass that grows in Ukraine. Over time, Tyrsa had grown into an accomplished dance group with a proud 33-year history in the Halton Region. In addition to performing across Southern Ontario and Dauphin, the senior group has performed in as diverse venues as Expo 86, festivals in Drummondville, Quebec, Rochester, New York City and culminating in a five-city performance tour across Ukraine. Tyrsa has been blessed with talented choreographers, whose dedication and artistic talents have contributed to both the reputation of the dance troupe and the enrichment of their student’s lives.
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VASYL POPADIUK
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Vasyl Popadiuk is a classically trained violinist born in Lviv, Ukraine, now living in Ottawa and performing internationally. In addition to appearing as a violin soloist, Popadiuk has been the dynamic lead player in the ensemble Papa Duke, a group that plays a fusion of eastern European melodies in an energetic style mixing classic pop, rock palm, jazz and traditional Slavic and gypsy music. Aside from stage performances at numerous events, he complements his violin playing with piano accompaniment for the national ballet of Canada. Popadiuk is quickly winning over audiences with his intense virtuoso performances. Over the years he and his fellow musicians have performed in concerts and music festivals in many countries, including USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Jordan, Russia, Poland, Mexico and Ukraine.
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VESNIANKA
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The Vesnianka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was founded in Toronto by Mr. Mykola Baldeckyj in 1958. Vesnianka has performed for audiences throughout Canada, internationally, for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The Ensemble participates in local Ukrainian events like the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Mississauga Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Independence Day, and the CHIN Picnic. The group also involves itself in multi-cultural festivals representing Ukraine. In 2015 Vesnianka was given the honour of performing at the Pan American Opening Ceremonies in Toronto led by Cirque du Soleil, alongside 20 other cultural dance groups. Vesnianka also performs at weddings and at numerous community events. In the fall of 2016, Vesnianka appointed new Artistic Directors, Larisa Makuch and Taras Pawluk. The creativity and passion of Larisa and Taras is evident in their challenging and inspiring weekly rehearsals and fresh choreography.
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VICTORIYA SAVCHENKO- Winnipeg
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Victoriya Savchenko is a Ukrainian born singer currently living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She holds B.Mus., B.Ed., and M.Mus.(Voice Performance) degrees from the University of Manitoba. Her repertoire includes classical Ukrainian songs and arias as well as traditional (folk) songs arranged by composers. Victoriya wants to contribute more to the development of Ukrainian culture in Canada and share her love of music with a Canadian audience. Her piano accompanist is Viktoriya Tuz, also from Ukraine, who holds a M.Music degree (Piano Performance) from the Lviv national academy named after Mykola Lysenko.
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YAVIR
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The Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance is dedicated to fostering the art and joy of Ukrainian dance in children and youth in a community environment. The goals of Yavir are to provide its dancers and audience with an experience that is exciting, inspirational, and educational while encouraging interest in Ukrainian dance and culture. The School gratefully acknowledges the support of the community of St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church. So jump high, spin fast, and join us to catch the excitement of the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance!
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ZAPOVID
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The Zapovid band has found recognition across North America. Since 2011 their melodic and unique folk-rock style has grown to be a favourite for audiences of all ages. The band released their debut album in 2015, titled “Dity Rodu Kozatskoho” and has performed in major cities across the United States and Canada. Zapovid’s mission is to bring energetic Folk-Rock to the masses by incorporating elements of various musical styles and influences.
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ZIRKA
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The Toronto based band ZIRKA is excited to be at this year’s Toronto Ukrainian Festival. With deep Canadian Ukrainian roots and a passion for traditional Ukrainian music, the band continually strives to create a distinctive lively zabava sound that pleases listeners of all ages. ZIRKA is comprised of musicians who love to play their instruments and sing and they do it for the right reason: to entertain, to create a party atmosphere and to have fun! ZIRKA looks forward to bringing that special “energy” to the Festival. The members of ZIRKA are: Morris Hucal (lead vocals, accordion), Peter Hucal (guitar, vocals), John Hucal (trumpet, vocals), Katherine Hucal (saxophones, vocals), Bill Hawryschuk (drums) and Karen Aniol (violin and vocals). Visit ZIRKA at www.zirkamusic.com; www.facebook.com/zirkamusic/; https://twitter.com/zirkamusic; www.youtube.com/user/ZirkaTV
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