2018 Toronto Ukrainian festival stage artists and buskers

Alexa Gobosz

Aleksa Gobosz is 17 years old and has been singing since the age of 5. She also plays the bandura, clarinet and piano, sings in the Ukrainian vocal youth group "Melodia" and dances in a performing ensemble in the Ukrainian School of Dance - Barvinok, as well as teaches younger dancer groups. She recently graduated Lesia Ukrainka Saturday School and has been attending art school for the past 10 years while also participating in multiple art shows and competitions. While being active in her high school community and also being part of the school band, Aleksa was chosen to be the 2017 Ambassador of Philip Pocock High School and represented her school at a 3-day leadership seminar. Aleksa has performed on many stages, most memorably at Yarmarok, Carassauga, Kiwanis and Disneyworld, in Florida. She loves to sing and always puts a smile on her audience's faces.

Alisa Osavelyuk

Alisa Osavelyuk is 17 years old and is currently in Grade 12 at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. Alisa was born in Ukraine, in the city of Ternopil. Alisa started playing the bandura 8 years ago and joined the bandura assemble by the name "Sribni Struny" which means "Silver Strings". She moved to Canada with her family when she was 13 years old. Alisa decided to continue with her bandura education and joined the bandura capella "Zoloti Struny" which means "Golden Strings". Alisa started taking vocal classes in 2016 to improve and expand her singing skills. Alisa has won competitions in the Kiwanis Toronto Music Festival as well as in the Ukrainian Music Festival. Alisa enjoys playing bandura and loves bringing joy to the audience.

Andriana Gnap

American born singer/songwriter Andriana Melania Gnap began performing at age four, both as a soloist, and with her mother and aunt as the Family Trio Heavenstar. Andriana has appeared as a vocalist, actress, violinist, and dancer at venues such as the Lunaria Jazz Club in Los Angeles, the Waterloo Bridge Theatre in New York, the Lyric West Stage Company in Boston, and New England’s prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival with Kate Burton and Broadway director Roger Rees. She has performed at numerous Ukrainian events on both east and west coasts, and has produced stage shows that highlight Ukrainian music. Andriana’s recordings have been featured on radio programs in the U.S. and Canada. Her compelling arrangements embrace listeners with “heartfelt vocals and beautifully blended harmonies” (Yevshan). Andriana’s most recent CD Songs From Home is a unique collection of Ukrainian folk songs, as well as original compositions. The album is dedicated to the memory of her grandfather, who inspired the project through his deep devotion to Ukrainian culture, and who wrote several of the songs. www.facebook.com/AndrianaMusic/ www.Andriana.org www.youtube.com/HeavenstarNebozir

Arkan Dance Company

The Ukrainian Academy of Dance has trained over 1500 dancers since it was founded in 1987. This year the school is celebrating their 32nd 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 will be traveling to Ukraine to perform as well as take workshops with Mr. Rafayil Malynowsky, a national artist of Ukraine.

Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble - Hamilton

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 regions.  They have also appeared on television, at talent and variety shows as well as at several area folk festivals.  Under the direction and choreography of Michael Stechey and Nadine Usyk, the group has flourished with an expanding repertoire of dances, performances and student enrolment.  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, we have our Novice group and Senior/Intermediate Girls excited to showcase their dances at the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival.

Barvinok Ukrainian School of Dance- Mississauga

For almost 50 years Barvinok has been providing traditional Ukrainian dance instruction in the hall of the Dormition of the Mother of God Church (St. Mary's) in Mississauga. The School and its dancers have represented the Ukrainian Community of Mississauga on local, regional, national and international levels. Today, Barvinok provides instruction to almost 450 students of different ages. Within the Metropolitan Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada and abroad, Barvinok has danced at different Ukrainian Festivals. Each year all dancers from the age of 5 to the age of 30 have the privilege to support their church at any festivities as well to represent our Ukrainian community while performing at the Carassauga Festival of Cultures. Under the direction of the Artistic Director, Fedir Danylak, and hardworking teaching assistants and parent’s committee, Barvinok, as a dance school has gained a reputation as an exciting and dynamic performing group. Over the past 20 years, Barvinok, has organized many trips within Canada as well to USA, Ukraine and Europe. In May of 2019, Barvinok will host their 50th Annual concert at the Living Arts Centre and in October the 50th Jubilee Banquet at Mississauga Convention Centre.

Barvy Band

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).

Blisk

Blisk is a synthesis of polyphonic Eastern European and Balkan song, dance and movement backed by hypnotic percussion. It is described as a musical journey travelling through Ukraine, Poland, Macedonia, Serbia and beyond. Based in Toronto, the members of the group hail from Canada, Ukraine, Poland and Kazakhstan. They were brought together by a deep love and respect for these ancient songs and dances, bringing the tunes to life in the modern world through unique arrangements.

Bosonizh

Bosonizh band is Ukrainian rock band from Montreal has started performing in August 2016. The band creates its own music and writes its own lyrics and performs in an alternative rock style.This year musicians were happy to announce release their first CD album "Liar".

Canadian Bandurist Capella

The Canadian Bandurist Capella is one of the premiere bandura ensembles in North America.  The group showcases powerful male voices combined with the rich sound of the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine.  The CBC is committed to advancing and exploring new possibilities with choral-bandura music, while honouring the instrument’s deep history.  Through dynamic musical arrangements and performances, the Canadian Bandurist Capella delivers a unique listening experience that raises the profile of the bandura and Ukrainian song in the Ukrainian-Canadian community and beyond.  At this year’s festival, the Capella is performing as an instrumental group, allowing you to hear the unique voice of the bandura on its own.  Musical Director of the Canadian Bandurist Capella - Julian Kytasty.  Concertmaster - Borys Ostapienko.

Chaika Senior Dancers

Chaika has thrilled audience’s worldwide and won recognition and praise with their memorable performances throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Created in 1957 under the auspices of the Hamilton Branch of the Ukrainian National Federation, the Chaika Performing Ensemble has been dedicated to the development of Ukrainian folk song and dance. The school comprised of 60 performers, ranging in age from 4 to 50, continues to help preserve Canada’s multicultural mosaic. The energy and spirit of Chaika is reflected in its choreography - integrating ballet with Ukrainian folk stage theatre. Our school is committed to teaching Ukrainian traditional dances. Chaika is very fortunate to perform to live music which provides our dancers and our audiences an exhilarating experience. You can follow Chaika on Facebook and at our website www.Chaika.ca. John Hucal is Chaika’s Artistic Director.

Desna Ukrainian Dancers

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.

Desna School of Ukrainian Dance

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, The Living Arts Centre, and competed at the National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba. This summer they traveled to Ukraine where they danced their way through many regions learning more about the Ukrainian dance and culture.

Diana Mytulynska

Diana Mytulynska is a 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.

DoVira

DoVira [do-VEE-ruh] is a Canadian ethno-electro world
fusion group that integrates Ukrainian and Eastern European folk music with contemporary arrangements, electronic textures, and other music influences from around the world. Fronted by Ukrainian-born vocalist/keyboardist/composer Stacey Yerofeyeva, DoVira also features drums/percussion, bass, guitar, sopilka (traditional Ukrainian flute), accordion, live looping and special effects. DoVira, which translates to "trust" in Ukrainian, released their first EP "Obrys" in 2014. The EP includes remastered versions of their successful debut singles, one of which - ‘Yihav Kozak Mistom’ is currently celebrating over 70,000+ views on YouTube due to the originality in the adaptation of the well known folk song. DoVira’s second release was their full-length self-titled album, which highlighted nine guest artists, including Juno-award winning world music artists, and was coined ‘world fusion at its best’ by Whole Note Magazine.

DOVIRA 3

Recently, DoVira has been working on their newest electronic show, featuring Stacey Y on vocals & effects, Mike Romaniak on live looping, and Patrick O’Reilly on analog synthesizers and processing. DoVira has been developing this material at a cabin in the woods near Georgian Bay, Ontario on a series of production & writing retreats, inspired by Canadian nature and various Balkan traditional elements.

Dunai

The band Dunai is excited to be back at this year’s Toronto Ukrainian Festival. For over three decades the band has been a cornerstone in the North American Ukrainian music scene. They have performed at every major Ukrainian festival throughout Canada and the United States and have played countless private functions across all the major cities. Dunai has produced 3 studio albums and 2 Christmas singles over the years. Their music spans across a multitude of genres and styles. The song “Ukrayino, Vstavay!” from their latest album “Dunai 3”, was inspired by the 2014 Maidan revolution and has had radio play across Ukraine and Europe. Dunai’s dedication to their art, combined with their high energy live performances has provided them with a large and loyal global following. The members of Dunai include Alex Fesiak (lead vocals, accordion, keyboards), Ihor Zowtonizka (guitars, vocals), John Wakaluk (bass guitar, vocals), Kevin Goss (saxophones, vocals) and Yar Haluk (drums). For more information on the band please visit www.dunai.com, www.facebook.com/dunaimusic, www.youtube.com/dunai

Ephyra

Ephyra is a rock band out of Chicago founded in 2002 and has become a favorite among young people in the Ukrainian diaspora and even Ukraine. Interesting enough there is nothing like Ephyra, hard solid rock with a Ukrainian soul. The band has 4 Ukrainian language album releases , the latest being the release of their new album called "Lantsyuhy" in may of 2018 , and a live unplugged record. Ephyra was a national finalist in the Emergenza international music competition and has performed in major market cities such as Chicago, Toronto, Winnipeg, Cleveland, Detroit, and NYC. In 2012, Ephyra toured western Ukraine with shows in Ternopil, Lviv,Iivano Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi. Ephyra hopes to popularize their brand of Ukrainian American rock throughout the world.

Euphoria

Euphoria is a fusion of Ukrainian pop, rock, and traditional music performed in a contemporary Canadian style. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Euphoria has entertained audiences at zabavas and weddings throughout the prairies. The band originated with friends from Edmonton sharing a musical passion, which quickly turned into one of Alberta's premiere Ukrainian bands. As one of the youngest Ukrainian-Canadian bands to reach a 10-year milestone, the anniversary came with the launch of Euphoria’s much-anticipated debut album – Euphoria X – which was released on this summers’ Ukrainian Festival tour with stops in Edmonton, Vegreville, Ottawa, Dauphin and of course, Toronto. The band is excited to be performing at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival for the first time and looks forward to celebrating with the hromada in Ontario! Euphoria will have its debut CD available for sale throughout the festival – just see a band member to pick up a copy and a Euphoria vyshyvka baseball tee too! For more information visit www.euphoriaband.ca.

Ihor and Andriana Artemiak

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.

Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo

Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo is concert violinist, EMI record artist, and graduate from the Lviv State Conservatory in Ukraine. As an established artist in Lviv from 1996 to 2005, she has participated in various contests and festivals in many Ukrainian and European cities and since then she performs to both Ukrainian and American audiences. She is also a Suzuki and classical violin teacher. She believes there are no better songs in the world than Ukrainian ones and her goal is to showcase them to as many people as possible. She recorded 4 CDs "Gerdan", "Storm", "Tango" and "Her Portrait" with the best songs from her repertoire. The most precious music for Innesa is Ukrainian Spiritual Music which vividly depicts the cultural heritage of the deeply faithful Ukrainian people. Her dream is to see Ukrainian composers works studied in American violin schools.

Kalendar

Based in Toronto, Kalyndar is an (almost) all-female vocal ensemble that looks towards the singing traditions and repertoire of rural Ukraine.  While they view themselves as modern women (and man), they all get immeasurable satisfaction in taking the time to participate in communal singing of Ukrainian folk songs around a table of friends. Polyphony is the obviously result, with tingling harmonic overtones and goosebumps soon following. The group naturally evolved from the folk singing nights hosted by Kosa Kolektiv. The specific vocal timbre which they strive for is known in Ukrainian singing culture as ridnyj holos” – meaning “the people’s voice”. They embrace every chance they get to study with master singers from Ukraine, like Maria Ihnatowych or members of Dakha Brakha. Kalendar’s hope is to share some of the beauty of the Ukrainian cultural inheritance with you.

Kalyna Dance Ensemble - Hamilton

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.

Kalyna Performing Arts Company - Toronto

Based out of the Ukrainian National Federation, Toronto’s Kalyna Performing Arts Company is comprised of talented semi-professional Ukrainian dancers with a passion for performing! Honouring the group’s rich history and deeply seeded roots in the Ukrainian-Canadian community, the recently revitalized KALYNA is currently under the direction of Stefan Kuziw and 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. Stefan and his group of dedicated performers are enthusiastic to share their journey with you as they continue to grow to impressive new heights! photo credit to Yuri Dudchenko

Korinya

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.

Kozaks

The Kozaks are North America’s most unique & high energy Ukrainian Performing Troupe. From Toronto, the troupe embodies the strength and skill of Ukraine’s ancient soldier force called the Kozaks. In dance, their repertoire extends though Ukrainian folk dance to incredibly physical acrobatics and feats of gymnastics wrapped in the persona of old world Kozak warriors. They have thrilled audiences across North America for over 25 years! The Kozaks were formed as a professional troupe for in-house performances at the infamous Ukrainian Caravan Restaurant in Toronto and have since continued entertaining audiences and spreading Ukrainian culture by performing all across North America from Prince Edward Island Canada to Catalina Island, California, USA! TheKozaks.com

Lira Trio

Trio Lira consists of Roma, Vera and Ivanka.  About 6 years ago a series of events conspired to bring the three women together.  Their first performance in Toronto felt magical and it was as though Trio Lira was meant to be. They have continued on their wonderful musical journey together ever since.  The Trio has sung and continues to perform at a variety of larger and smaller events including the well-known annual Ukrainian festivals in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville and Ottawa.  In addition, this year they have been invited to participate in the Kingsway Festival in Toronto.  They are expanding their repertoire regularly, including some English material here and there to keep things fresh and fun.  Trio Lira look forward to continuing this journey and are hoping to attend their first International Festival in Ukraine next summer.

Litna Zustrich Bandura Camp

Litnia Zustrich Bandura Camp is an annual, week long, all ages summer camp. Co-organized by the Vira Zelinska Ukrainian Youth Capella "Zoloti Struny", the Canadian Bandurist Capella, and the Toronto Bandura School, this year's camp is taking place from August 19th to 26th at the UNF Sokil Campground in Hawkestone Ontario. The performance at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival will be the camp ensemble's premier performance for a general audience.

Lviv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

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. The group has 70 dancers, aged 4-26. Under the artistic directorship of Dr. Sally Shlapak, the senior dancers present a unique repertoire of folk, classical, and character dance, of the different regions of Ukraine. The Ensemble performs for numerous religious and cultural events in and around Oshawa, Whitby, and the Durham Region. They have revelled in performing at the World Youth Day celebrations, at weddings and 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.  This year in July they performed at Ivana Kupala & the Ottawa Capital Ukie Fest. http://stgeorgethegreatmartyr.com/Lviv_Dancers_1443004.html Email:[email protected]

Marko Farion

Marko Farion is widely respected as an accomplished bandurist, bass soloist, and bandura teacher.  The bandura, a 55 stringed instrument that comes from a centuries old minstrel tradition, is known as Ukraine's national instrument.  He received bandura and vocal training from the late Hryhory Kytasty, the bandura's pre-eminent composer.  He also studied music and voice at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music.  His accomplishments include performances and recordings with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, the Detroit Concert Choir, the Millennium Choir, and the Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus.  He has traveled the globe with his bandura giving performances and conducting various workshops and music camps for bandura players.

Myroslava Solovianenko

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 Kiev 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. Mrs Solovianenko 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. In 2010 Mira was awarded the title of “Distinguished Artist of Ukraine” a high honor bestowed upon a citizen for contributions to the cultural fabric of the country and for artistic contribution to the society. A resident of Toronto since 2014, Miroslava continues to actively perform throughout Canada and has headlined a number of concerts. Ms. Solovianenko'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.

Natalia Justyna Terek

Natalia Terek is a 19 year old nursing student from Mississauga with a love for music. She enjoys performing both traditional and modern Ukrainian songs and has been doing so for the past 9 years at events such as Carasauga, St. Mary's Church Yarmarok and Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival. Natalia takes pride in her Ukrainian background and in addition to singing, she dances in the Barvinok Ukrainian School of Dance and is a graduate of Lesia Ukrainka Saturday School. This September she has begun her second year at Ryerson University and George Brown College in their Nursing Program and Natalia is looking forward to the opportunities to come!

Nervy

This year marks the first anniversary of the Toronto-Ukrainian community’s newest band: Nervy. As a relatively newly formed group, what they don’t have in experience, they make up for in style and creativity. They like mixing melodies and adding a new spin on traditional songs. Nervy have been performing for the Ukrainian community in both Canada and the States for events such as Student Club Zabavas, Ivana Kupala, Vyshyvanyj Vechir and your typical traditional Ukrainian weddings. They have also been rocking it out with Anglophone crowds in Toronto bars.  Let the sounds of folkloric Ukrainian songs mix with rock music as your ears find their new passion. To contact Nervy for bookings please call 416-835-0576.

Olha Oliynyk

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.

Otava

The  Otava singers, originally from Ternopil, Ukraina 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.

Pavlenkos

Nadiya and Lev Pavlenko are young musicians who were born and raised in the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv. In Kyiv, Nadiya's voice was often compared to a unique voice of a famous Ukrainian singer Nina Matvienko. Inspired by DakhaBrakha, a popular Ukrainian music band, and by Andrzej Sapkowski's, Polish fantasy writer, Pavlenko's enjoy expressing Ukrainian spirit through lyrical folk songs.

Polky Village Band

Created by two courageous ladies from Poland, singer Ewelina Ferenc and dancer Ala Stasiuk, Polky Village Band is not a typical "polka band" but an authentic, energetic Polish-Canadian folk music group. The band performs folk songs and dances that Ewelina and Ala learned while growing up back home, and now they share them with incredible Canadian musicians & friends they acquired in Toronto! They present music and traditional instruments currently reviving on the Polish music scene and create their own unique sound by adding Canadian and multicultural flavor!

Rossa Trio

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, The Troyanda dance ensemble are welcomed back to the stage."

The Royal Regiment of Canada Band

The Royal Regiment of Canada Band is based at Fort York in Toronto and has a continuous tradition reaching back to 1863, making it the oldest permanently formed military band in Canada.  The Band appears at various functions across Canada and internationally. Engagements include ‘live to air’ radio broadcasts, park concerts, military and civilian parades and military tattoos.  In recent years the band has performed at The Stone Mountain Highland Games in Atlanta, GA, and tattoos in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, Whistler, BC, Gettysburg, PA and Kingston, ON.  The Royal Regiment of Canada Band, along with the Pipes and Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada and special guests, is performing a special concert at Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto on Sunday, October 28th. Tickets are available through the Band’s website http://band.rregtc.ca. The Band’s Director of Music is Captain Kevin Anderson, CD, and the Band Sergeant Major is Sergeant Sheila Andrews, CD.  The Band performs by kind permission of LCol Joseph Nonato, CD - Commanding Officer.

Ruslana Lotsman

Born in Cherkasy region in 1988, Ruslana Lotsman is an honored artist of Ukraine, a Ukrainian folk-pop singer, author of her own songs, a community activist, the director of The Folk Philharmony, as well as a laureate of international vocal competitions and festivals in Ukraine, Estonia, Poland, Russia, France, Germany and the USA.  She has recorded multiple music albums. Currently a Ph.D., Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Ruslana is also a soloist of the best Ukrainian orchestras, ensembles and choirs. She sang on the Euromaidan stage and has held more than 350 concerts for Ukrainian soldiers in the Donbass combat zone and in various military units all over Ukraine. For her work she has been honoured by many awards.

Sofi Fraser

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. Concerts and festivals all over USA and Toronto, Montreal in Canada .

St. Demetrius Bandurysty

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 36th 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

Svitanok

Svitanok is a Ukrainian party band from New York, USA performing at zabavas, wedding and festivals across North America over the past 20 years.  They consist of Peter Reszytniak on vocals and guitar, Stephan Kobyleckyj on vocals and drums, Matthew Dubas on accordion and Adrian Winniarskyj on bass guitar.  Svitanok blends music styles from all areas of music into their sound drawing on traditional Ukrainian North American diaspora band influences like Rushnychok and Vodohray and non-traditional Ukrainian influences of alt-grunge, blue grass, classic rock, country and funk.  Over the years, they have travelled extensively performing in Upstate New York, the entire North Eastern US, South Beach Miami, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Canada.  The Toronto Ukrainian Canadian Festival marks their 1st performance in Toronto, Canada (GO LEAFS!!)

Teach Me To Dance

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.

Tyrsa Ukrainian Dancers

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.

Ukrainian Academy of Dance

The Ukrainian Academy of Dance has trained over 1500 dancers since it was founded in 1987. This year the school is celebrating its 32nd 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. Arkan and The Academy will be travelling to Ukraine next summer.

Veselka School of Ukrainian Dance

Veselka – the Ukrainian word for rainbow – defines in one word the colorful display of artistry that is Ukrainian dance and the Veselka School of Dance.  The school has been hosted under the auspices of the Ukrainian National Federation, Sudbury Branch, for decades, with cultural programming beginning in 1933.  That early spirit of Veselka thrives today as they proudly celebrate 85 years of culture and tradition (and of course, love of dance) in 2018-2019. The goal of the Veselka School of Ukrainian Dance is to teach dance in a fashion that promotes fun, new friendships, and a unique learning environment that ultimately helps keep the Ukrainian heritage alive in the City of Greater Sudbury and beyond! Veselka is proudly represented at this year’s BloorFest by some of its Veselka Dance Ensemble members and joining them, representatives from their Junior Veselka Ensemble.

Vesnianka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

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. Contact [email protected].

Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance

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!

Zaitsa

Olga Zaitseva-Herz is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology in the Department of Music at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on Ukrainian Canadian music. In the year 2011in Germany she created the music band "ZAITSA" with which she rearranges and performs old Ukrainian folk songs. In addition to their new creative compositions, one key aim of  ZAITSA project is to find lesser known or even forgotten folk pieces and give them a new life. In 2012 they produced their first EP for an appearance at the Festival associated with the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. ZAITSA´s first album was released in 2016. In June 2018 in Germany the band introduced its new program combining research with performance : they wrote arrangements and included the original a-capella recorded songs sung by early Ukrainian immigrants in Canada. The idea behind this project is to let the original voices of early Ukrainian immigrants, stored in archives, sound again, on the stage.

Zapovid

Zapovid has found recognition across North America bringing energetic Folk-Rock to the masses by incorporating elements of various musical styles and influences.  Since 2011 their melodic and unique folk-rock style has grown to be a favourite for audiences of all ages. Zapovid will release their second CD in November of 2018, so keep an eye out for them across all major cities in the United States and Canada.

Zirka

The Toronto based band ZIRKA is excited to perform again at the 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 travelled to Ukraine this past August performing in Ternopil and at the International Ukrainian Dance & Culture Festival in Lviv. 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 this year’s Festival. ZIRKA band members 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

Zoloti Struny

Bandura Capella "Zoloti Struny" ("Golden Strings") is a Ukrainian Youth Ensemble made up of young musicians dedicated to playing of the bandura, the Ukraine's national music instrument. The group has been in existence since the summer of 2001. The capella consists of 16 members from Toronto and Mississauga. The organization is under the auspices of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mississauga. Honoured Performing Artist of Ukraine, Vira Zelinska, an acknowledged teacher and performer from Ukraine, was the founder and first director of the group. Her daughter, Oksana Zelinska-Shevchuk, took over the role of the musical director and a teacher of Zoloti Struny as of 2012. Throughout 2001-2018, Zoloti Struny members participated at the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto as well as at the annual Ukrainian Music Festival in solo/duet/trio bandura categories taking winning places and receiving scholarships. Christmas concerts have become an annual tradition now and are a real treat for audience members. Since 2001, Zoloti Struny have recorded and released 3 CD's and made a DVD movie about their summer camps. www.banduramusic.com  https://www.facebook.com/ZolotiStrunyBanduraEnsemble/ E-mail address: [email protected] Telephone: (416) 509-4359
© 1997-2024  Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival