2019 Artists

2019 BWV Toronto Ukrainian festival performers

Alex Hramakouski

It's no secret that a talented person is talented in everything! Such is the star guest from Chicago, actor, athlete, bodybuilder, singer, who unites hearts in his own songs in one language, the language of love. Meet GREMO!

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 its 33rd 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 was happy to be home this summer, visiting Ukraine where they participated in workshops with renowned dance companies, performed in Lviv as well as had the privilege of performing in Kyiv on Khreshchatyk on Independence Day!

Auresia

Auresia a singer-songwriter who effortlessly fuses intricate reggae music with world-pop undertones and love of her Ukrainian heritage, is not the kind of artist you encounter every day. It’s this very element of surprise that makes Auresia one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Hamilton

The Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Hamilton has been in existence for over 65 years. It is comprised of 35 students between the ages of 3 to 18. All dancers throughout the year, have the opportunity to promote our Ukrainian culture at local church celebrations, fairs, concerts and anniversary events. They have also appeared on television, at talent and variety shows, and 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. In 2019, Barvinok Hamilton has soared to new heights with numerous performances in Ottawa, the Niagara Region and in Rochester, N.Y. The continued purpose of the group is to provide its dancers with an exciting educational experience while encouraging a greater interest in Ukrainian dance and culture. This year, Barvinok Hamilton's Junior & Senior groups are eager to share their dances with you at the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival!

Barvinok School of Ukrainian Dance - Mississauga

For 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. Devoted to maintaining Ukrainian heritage and identity in Canada, while strengthening cultural diversity in our community, Barvinok has earned a reputation as a dynamic group of young performers who, through their enthusiasm and passion for Ukrainian culture, bring the joy of dance to the stage. Today, Barvinok provides instruction to almost 450 students of different ages. The Ukrainian Dance World Magazine recognized Barvinok School of Ukrainian dance as the largest school in the world.The School and its dancers have represented the Ukrainian Community of Mississauga on local, regional, national and international levels. Over the past 20 years, Barvinok, has organized many trips within Canada as well to USA, Ukraine and Europe. The dancers had the opportunity to perform there at many festivals and other Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian celebrations. On May 17 of this 2019 year Barvinok hosted its 50th Annual concert at the Living Arts Centre and on October the 26th there will be 50th Jubilee banquet at Mississauga Convention Centre. Barvinok invites to join them in this amazing time of the celebration

Barvinok Dancers of Windsor

Windsor Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School and Ensemble was established in 1987 under the direction of Taras and Debbie Rohatyn, and has entertained the community and surrounding areas for over 30 years. There have been a number of Directors over the years, but more recently Michael Jaworiwsky and Stephen Romanow. Barvinok is a community based dance group, and believes in inclusion not exclusion, with members coming from a variety of ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Barvinok strives to promote and preserve its Ukrainian cultural heritage. And while respecting the origins of traditional Ukrainian culture, Barvinok also recognizes the Canadian-Ukrainian experience and contemporary expectations.

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.

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.

BM/TM Royals

Marichka Motsyk is 18 years old. She lived her whole life in a small historical town called Buchach in Western Ukraine. She moved to Canada with her parents only last year, and is currently in grade 12 at Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School. From a young age, Marichka has enjoyed singing and dancing. When she was 8 years old she joined a creative group called “Suzirya”, and since then signing became inseparable part of her life. At the same time she joined a dance studio called “Pearl” as she loves all aspects of the performing arts. Shortly she became an active member of Christian choirs “Children of Mother Marry” and “The Blossom of Love”. At the age of 13 she performed her first solo concert at her hometown. She participated at various national and international festivals as a member of folk singing group “Veseli Gudaky”. In 2015, Marichka and her friends created a band that performed songs of popular Ukrainian musicians such as Okean Elzy, Skryabin, Bumbox and many others. Singing is one thing she cannot live without.

Bosonizh Band

Montreal based Ukrainian rock band Bosonizh started to perform in August 2016. The band creates its own music and writes lyrics and performs mostly in an alternative rock style. Every year the band records a new album and this November the band released a new one called "Groenland". For the past three years the Bosonizh band has become an important and active part of the Ukrainian community; they founded the Ukrainian Rock Club of Montreal, called UkieRockieClub. They are very happy to express a modern form of Ukrainian culture.

Chaika Performing Ensemble of Hamilton

Chaika Performing Ensemble was created in 1957 under the auspices of the Hamilton Branch of the Ukrainian National Federation and has thrilled audience’s worldwide and won recognition and praise with their memorable performances throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Chaika is dedicated to the development of Ukrainian folk song and dance. The school is comprised of 60 performers, ranging in age from 4 through adult. While helping to preserve Canada’s multicultural mosaic, the energy and spirit of Chaika is reflected in its choreography - integrating ballet with Ukrainian folk stage theatre. The school is committed to teaching traditional Ukrainian dances while giving students the rare opportunity to perform to live music, providing dancers and audiences an exhilarating experience. Follow Chaika on social media as they celebrate 63 years, you can find them on Facebook and through their website www.chaika.ca

Desna Ukrainian Dance Company

The Desna Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto is excited to be celebrating their 45th anniversary this year by continuing to dazzle their audiences throughout Canada, the US and abroad. With a wide repertoire of Ukrainian dances, their goal continues to be preserving 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 has been another busy one with many local shows in addition to travels to Edmonton for UFest and to Yonkers, NY. They continue to promote the importance of community and sharing the Ukrainian culture through dance. They will be hosting a 45th celebration on November 3, 2019 at the Golden Lion in Etobicoke and invite any one who is interested in joining to let them know if they would like to purchase a ticket.

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 New York. 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.

Dunai Band

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 Nazarowicz (drums). For more information on the band please visit www.dunai.com, www.facebook.com/dunaimusic, www.youtube.com/dunai

Ihor and Andriana Artemyak

Ihor and Andriana Artemyak 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.

Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of New Jersey

The Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, based in New Jersey, was founded in 2011 as an outreach of the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy, one of the late Roma Pryma Bohachevsky’s schools. Under the artistic direction of Andrij Cybyk, Iskra represents many regions of Ukraine, highlighting the colorful indigenous costumes, the individual musical styles and, of course, the particular dance movements found in each one. The Iskra Ensemble performs at numerous Ukrainian and international events in the New York/New Jersey area. Iskra has shared the stage with acclaimed musical ensemble Cheres, representing Ukraine in New York’s Lincoln Center Outdoors' "Heritage Sunday" series. They performed in New York City at the "Black Sea Circle Festival" in June 2018, along with troupes showcasing Georgian, Bulgarian and Rumanian dance. Iskra had its first international performance in June of this year, at the Ukrainian National Federation’s Camp Sokil.

Kalendar

Based in Toronto, Kalendar 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 Performing Arts Company of 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!

Korinya Folk Band

Korinya (which means "roots" in Ukrainian), started out as a family band, initiated by the Shepko-Hamilton family in 2003. Today, Korinya is a flourishing musical group from the Ukrainian diaspora that has been performing in the U.S. and Canada since 2005. Korinya has performed several times in Ukraine, and in 2012 earned the title of National Artists of Ukraine by winning 1st place at the Boyko Festival. In 2016 they released their studio recording “Zemlya” on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms, and since have reached almost 10,000 listeners from around the world. Most recently they wrapped up a week-long North American concert tour, En Route Tour 2019. This young band presents Ukrainian folk music in a fresh, grassroots way. Hear the voices of the steppes and the strong, soulful fiddle playing that tie this young band to their Ukrainian roots. Members include Alina Kuzma (vocals), Sana Shepko (violin), Zoya Shepko (accordion), and Nick Hladio (bass).

The 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!

Levada Choir

All members of Levada Women’s choir are united by their love of choral music. Their wide-ranging repertoire includes: classical, contemporary, patriotic, traditional folk, sacred and liturgical. They look forward to new challenging repertoire which attests to their desire for musical growth and artistic development. At present, the Levada Choir has 22 talented members, who are united by their deep sense of community, and strong connection to ukrainian heritage. The Levada Choir performs choral repertoire especially arranged for women’s voices, which is sometimes accompanied by Ukraine’s national instrument, the bandura.The Levada Women’s Choir has forged its own identity with the annual production of Easter and Spring Ritual Songs, also known as HAYIVKY. Hayivky take place on Easter Sunday at St. Mary’s Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mississauga. In the past, Hayivky have been performed in other venues: at St. Elias U.C.C. in Brampton, at Metro Hall in Toronto, at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre and in various U.S. cities. The Christmas season is also known for Koliada (Carolling). The Levada Choir delivers the Christmas spirit by carolling in private homes, which above all is a great Ukrainian tradition! The Levada Women's Choir is proud to be a member of Choirs Ontario.

Lviv Dance Ensemble of Oshawa

For over 40 years the Lviv Dance Ensemble has been representing the Ukrainian Community in Oshawa and the Durham Region as a part of St George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. The Ensemble recently had the opportunity to perform at Ivana Kupala at Camp Sokil, the Ottawa Capital Ukrainian Festival, and many other fairs and festivals around the GTA. They take particular pride in participating in Oshawa’s Fiesta Week, where they perform multiple shows a night and are able to share their Ukrainian culture in a grand celebration of multiculturalism throughout the city. Under the direction of Catherine McCallion and Laurie Waytowich, the group’s Senior Dancers present a unique repertoire of dances from the different regions of Ukraine. They are thrilled and honoured to be returning to the Toronto Ukrainian Festival.

Marko Farion

Marko Farion is an accomplished bandurist, bass soloist, and bandura teacher. His music has been featured on PBS (American Public Television) and in the documentary “Baba Babee Skazala” which has been receiving accolades at various film festivals this past year. Marko Farion 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, the Ukrainian Canadian Opera Chorus, Edmonton’s “Dnipro” Choir and the Michigan Opera Theatre Chorus at the Detroit Opera House. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, the Coliseo of Buenos Aires, the Lviv and Odesa Opéra Houses, and here in Toronto - Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall, Ontario Place and the Maple Leaf Gardens. He does have a solo release “Bandura LIVE!”, which is available on iTunes and CDbaby - and the CD is available here at the festival. For over 40 years he has traveled the globe with his bandura giving performances and conducting various workshops and music camps for bandura players.

Matti Palonen

Matti Palonen is a Toronto musician and instrument builder. He performs with many stringed instruments including tsymbaly and bandura. He has studied many folk music and dance traditions from Eastern and Northern Europe, and has performed with bands including Burdon, Polky Village Band, and DoVira. He has also accompanied the Bach Children’s Chorus with the Tsymbaly. For the past four years, he has taught songs and instruments at Folk Camp in Grafton Ontario that he learned during his trips to Finland. He has performed at a wide range of venues including Roy Thompson Hall, the Air Canada Centre and CBC Television.

Myhaylo Kostowskyj

Michael Kostowskyj was born and raised in Toronto and has now been living in California for 10 years. He was a student of the St. Demetrius Bandura School, under Director Ron Demeda. As a young lad he performed bandura during festivals in front of his grandparent's store, Duri Delicatessen. Over the years his playing evolved into a contemporary modernized style which kickstarted his solo career, performing at bars, coffee shops, wineries, weddings, and Ukrainian Festivals. He recently joined the front row of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, under Musical Director Oleh Mahlay. Bandura has easily become an essential part of his everyday life.

Myron Deputat

Myron Deputat is a singer/songwriter/producer/engineer from Buffalo, NY. Though he is best known for his polka ensemble, “Those Idiots”, which has a large following in the Western New York area, Myron is versed in may styles of music. From his humble beginnings, singing Ukrainian folk songs at PLAST Ukrainian Scout camps as a child, to the big stage, Myron has always performed with energy, enthusiasm and passion. Over the years he has been the MC and entertained crowds at the Ukrainian Festival at St. John the Baptist in Buffalo, NY.

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's 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 across 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 “Honored 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 2015, Miroslava continues to actively perform throughout Canada and has headlined a number of concerts. Ms. Solovianenko's repertoire includes music ranging from baroque to modern, incorporating the music of composers such as Bach, Handel, Caccini, Pergolesi, Vivaldi, Puccini, and Sartori. Starting in 2018, she has become one of the founders and artistic director of the Nightingale Music Festival, a project to increase the presence of classical opera across North America.

Nastia Y

Stacey Yerofeyeva (aka Nastia Y) is a multifaceted artist & leader residing in Toronto, Canada. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, she grew up in an environment surrounded by folk song. Her late father Kost' Yerofeyev was the lead singer of the band Ruthenia, which was on the forefront of the Ukrainian Independence movement in the late 1980's in Kyiv. After moving to Toronto at the age of 11, she became enthralled in the North American musical tradition, including jazz, blues, soul and r&b, and went on to pursue it professionally (gaining a bachelor's degree in contemporary jazz piano from Humber College, as well as an 'Associate' of the Royal Conservatory diploma). She released her debut album 'Set the Water Straight' at the age of 23 under the stage name Stacey Y, blending genres of pop, rock, and neo-soul to create original works in English. Being immerses in Toronto's bustling music scene has inspired Stacey to partake in various projects, from reggae, to Motown, to Indian, and even Arabic music. As a multilingual vocalist, her voice has been featured on the award-winning show Orphan Black, and as a keyboardist she has backed up a variety of artists, from the Indo-Pakistani band JoSH, to the reggae act Kidd Rasta & the Peacemakers. To bring her roots back into the mix, Stacey founded her Slavic-electro-jazz-fusion project DoVira [doh-VEE-rah], which became popular on YouTube, due to the original takes on well-known folk songs on their first EP 'Obrys'. The group's second release, the self-titled album 'DoVira' went on to be coined “world fusion at its best” by Whole Note Magazine. Nastia Y can currently be found performing around Toronto and abroad with various groups, including the all-female Eastern European quartet Blisk, her Arabic meets Balkan collaboration with Ahmed Moneka, the world hip-hop collaboration with Tamar Ilana, the Middle-East-inspired world music group Blue Dot, and more. She is the founder and CEO of StereoFlavour, a music hub for Toronto’s most versatile professional musicians, providing top-caliber live entertainment & music coordination services for events in the GTA. Stacey is a passionate ambassador of Toronto as a “music city”, due to its unique talent and diversity, with the hopes to elevate the sustainability & collaboration of the industry, the world music, and the original music scenes.

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!

Natalia Kaskova

Singer Natalia Kaskova was born in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. She studied at the College of Music and graduated with honours. After graduating from university, Natalia was invited to the Music Arts Center to join the famous ensemble “Cossacks of Podillya” under the guidance of the People’s Artist of Ukraine Mykola Balema. Her repertoire included both dramatic and comic works. Natalia is able to perform folk music as well as operatic vocals. In Natalie’s repertoire there are more than 50 works of the composer Podilsky and the arranger Ivan Pustovy. Among them are such famous songs as “Oh,Ivana on Kupala”and ”Faith, Love and Hope”. Natalia is supporting her creative activity by giving concerts in Europe.

Nervy Band

Emerging from the beautiful city of Toronto, comes the next best up and coming Ukrainian band - Nervy! Since June of 2017, Nervy has its roots in the tradition of Ukrainian music (with a unique spin on it of course). What sets Nervy apart from everyone else? The energy, the aoura and the ability to keep you dancing and singing all nightlong. Over the years, Nervy has expanded all over Ontario, Canada and the United States. When they are not playing Zabava's, they are working hard on brand new original songs.Nervy is a group of young and hard working individuals that are dedicated to the Ukrainian community and are aiming to release some new original music this up and coming year.

OKSANA PIKUSH

Oksana Pikush combines music and visual art as her vocation. Born and raised in famous historical center of Ukrainian folk art, town of Petrykivka (Dnipropetrovsk region). She started singing at an early age, as it was part of her family’s tradition. After graduating from music school (violin) in Ukraine she moved to Canada and took up classical vocal training at McGill University. Oksana performs as a soloist, and gladly collaborates with other artists and groups. Most recently she started collaboration with the Toronto-based choir Vesnivka and Nightingale Music Festival. Oksana’s repertoire includes folk, popular, and classical pieces in Ukrainian, English, Italian and French. She also continues her parents’ legacy of petrykivka style painting. You can meet her off stage at St. Vladimir Institute pavilion here at the festival and learn about that special kind of art. To learn more, visit www.pikush.comor find her on Facebook.

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.

Pavlo Fondera

Pavlo Fondera is a Ukrainian musician, singer, choirmaster, librettist, poet and playwright. He was born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine where he finished Zhytomyr Musical College. He holds degrees from Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (choir conducting – prof. D. Radyk, vocal performance – prof. M. Koval) and his career starts as early as the last course at the University with Kyiv municipal male choir named after L.Revutskiy. Pavlo performed both as a choir member and as a soloist with chamber choir “Kredo”, Ukrainian academic ensemble “Kalyna”, Kyiv municipal academic opera theatre, Kyiv symphonic orchestra and choir. Performances of the named choirs and ensembles had absolute success while on tours in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia,Lebanon,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, USA and Canada. Currently resides in Toronto,Canada Choirmaster-conductor Canadian Bandurist Capella (Toronto), artistic director and conductor male choir "Prometheus ". Assistant Conductor ,Choir participant and soloist TUMCC (Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir).Solo Artist.

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, Natalia Bedik, and Nina Semchyshyn of Montreal’s “Rossa trio” are thrilled to be performing once again at this year’s festival. They continue to capture the hearts of new and established audiences through performances featuring their precise harmonies and smooth vocal range, including the SPIVANKA documentary by Mo-D productions. Their performance includes a selection from their CD release and a fresh musical interpretation of Ukrainian song. These 3rd generation singers all come from musical backgrounds and are active community members in Plast, CYM, SUSK and the Troyanda dance ensemble. In true Montreal style, Rossa extends a heartfelt “bonjour” to their Ontario neighbours!

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 27th. 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.

St. Demetrius Bandura Ensemble

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 37th 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.

Teach Me To Dance

Vincent Rees has been a prolific dancer, director, choreographer and connoisseur of Ukrainian dance, art and culture for many years. Raised in Victoria BC, Vincent moved to Edmonton in 1992 to join the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, where he danced for many years. Vincent trained in Ukrainian, Character, Ballet, Modern and Musical Theatre and took his passion to study in Ukraine at the Avramenko Institute of Ukrainian Dance, followed by many study, dance and research trips. As a teacher and choreographer he worked with Shumka and served as Artistic Director to several groups including The Shumka School of Dance, Viter Ukrainian Dancers & Folk Choir, MY Ukrainian Dance Academy and many more clubs throughout Alberta. Vincent completed a B.A. in Ukrainian Language & Literature and a Masters in Ukrainian Folklore at the UofA and has studied Ukrainian dance thoroughly in all its forms. After many years of dancing, teaching, producing and managing Ukrainian dance, Vincent now organizes study and performance trips for dancers to Ukraine and around the world with his company Cobblestone Freeway Tours. Vincent is also the founder of Ukrainian Dance World, which is a page on Facebook with over 300,000 likes and has spawned a magazine that is disturbed globally.

The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

The Regimental Band of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada is the oldest continually serving Militia Band, serving alongside the Infantry Regiment since April 26, 1860. The Band is based out of Moss Park Armoury in Toronto and is comprised of some of the best working musicians in the city, who are also serving soldiers for the Canadian Armed Forces. The Band provides musical entertainment and support to events and parades nationally and internationally, having supported the Regiment with remembrance ceremonies in Europe. The Band's Director of Music is Captain Megan Hodge, CD and Bugle Major is Sergeant Dominique Arseneau, CD. The Pop Band will be performing at the Ukrainian Festival this year by the kind permission of Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Lamie, CD.

Teren

"Teren" is an amateur band with two members: Lev and Nadiya. They both grew up in Kyiv, and moved to Toronto. Their inspiration is Slavic folk culture in general and Ukrainian in particular. They believe that music is essential to remember who we are and where we came from. Music is the strongest bond that you can have with your culture.

Toronto Bandurist Ensemble

The Toronto Bandurist Ensemble is a local bandurist group directed by Victor Mishalow.

Tyrsa

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 was founded in 1987 in Toronto, Canada, as a Ukrainian folk-dance school for ages 3 to adult. They are celebrating their 33rd anniversary this year. Dancers in the Ensemble group have been chosen from The Ukrainian Academy of Dance and range in age from 10-14. The group has performed in Montréal at The Children’s Festival (La Fete des Enfants de Montreal), the CNE, the Toronto Christmas Market, Sherbrooke Quebec at Le Festival des traditions du monde, in Disney World as part of the Dance the World program, Boston and New York City where they performed at Quincy Market as well as on the Intrepid, a decommissioned WWII aircraft carrier. This summer Ensemble dancers were happy to join arkan Dance Company in Ukraine where they performed in Lviv’s famed opera house, took part in workshops with renowned Ukraine dance companies and performed on Khreshchatyk in Kyiv during Independence Day festivities.

Vanguard Marching Band

The Vanguard Concert/Marching Band which is part of the Ukrainian Youth Ensembles Corp. was founded in 1985 by embracing a vision to integrate the Ukrainian and Canadian cultures through its music. The band’s rich repertoire includes a variety of ceremonial, classical, folk, martial, patriotic, and religious music. Its members consist of youth, students, and experienced professionals who are united by their love of music. Over the years Vanguard has traveled all over North America, Europe as well as performing locally throughout the GTA and always welcoming new members. http://www.ukrainianyouthensembles.com

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].

Victor Mishalow

Victor Mishalow was born in Sydney, Australia and began to study bandura in 1970 under Peter Deriashnyj. In 1974 he studied with Hryhory Bazhul, a former student of Hnat Khotkevych. In 1978 Mishalow received a grant from the "Australia Arts Council" enabling him to continue his studies in North America with prominent emigre bandurists, including Peter Honchanenko, Peter Kytasty, Hryhory Kytasty, Leonid Haydamaka and Vasyl Yemetz. In 1979. Victor received a scholarship to attend the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Kyiv, where he studied with noted bandurist and professor Serhiy Bashtan. In Ukraine, he also studied with Heorhy Tkachenko, the last remaining bandurist to perform in the authentic kobzar tradition. He defended his PhD in 2009. In 1999 he was awarded the title of Merited artist of Ukraine. He has over 120 articles and publications to his credit. Victor Mishalow currently resides in Toronto, Canada.

Vira Prut

Vira Prut is a 26-year-old singer originally from the city of Chervonograd in the Lviv region of Ukraine and currently living in Toronto. She sang in various festivals in Ukraine and won a large number of singing competitions. Vira graduated from a music school in Ukraine where she sang in the choir and played saxophone in the school orchestra. She was also a member of a well known Ukrainian singing school named Apelsin and attended a dancing school named Peremoga where she had the chance to travel all over the world. Her favourite song composer is Volodymyr Ivasyuk. In Canada, Vira participated in Vyshyvanka Day and was also a finalist of the Miss Ukrainian Canada competition.

Yavir

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!

Yuriy Konevych

Yuriy Konevych is a lyrical tenor from Montreal with a large experience of stage performance and who possesses classical vocal talent. Yuriy has been singing in Vidlunnya choir, the church choir, folk band and as a soloist as well as in duo with his wife Anna. Singing is his everything. In his repertoire, there is mainly classical music, Ukrainian baroque works, Ukrainian folk songs, world classical arias and art songs. Yuriy studied vocal at McGill Conservatory. Last year, Yuriy became a member of Montreal Symphonic Orchestra choir. He is going to share his passion for music with you.

Zapovid Band

Zapovid has found recognition performing all across North America. Since 2011, their melodic and unique folk-rock style has grown to be a favourite for audiences of all ages. In 2015, the band released their debut album titled “Dity Rodu Kozatskoho”, a mix of original songs and traditional Ukrainian folk songs. In May of 2019, Zapovid released their second album "Radiohvyli" which features mostly original songs including the summer smash hit "Sonce i Lito!" Zapovid’s mission is to bring energetic Folk-Rock to the masses by incorporating elements of various musical styles and influences.

Zirka Band

The Toronto based band ZIRKA is thrilled to perform again at the BWVTUF! ZIRKA enjoys preserving and advancing Canadian-Ukrainian music. ZIRKA has entertained audiences around the world for over 3 decades. This spring, the band travelled to Adelaide, Australia to play a wedding as well as perform with the Ukrainian dance ensemble “Volya”. In July, ZIRKA performed for the fifth straight year at the Capital Ukrainian Festival in Ottawa. Next August 2020, the band will be returning to Ukraine performing at the International Ukrainian Dance & Culture Festival in Lviv as well as at the Ukrainian Independence Day Concert & Zabava in Kyiv. For those interested in joining ZIRKA and its tour to Ukraine next year, please visit https://cobblestonefreeway.ca/tour-package/zirka-band-shadow-tour/ Once again, ZIRKA looks forward to bringing their “party-like atmosphere” and special “energy” to this year’s BWVTUF! ZIRKA band members are: Morris Hucal (accordion, lead vocals); John Hucal (trumpet, trembita, vocals); Katherine Hucal-Poitras (saxophones, vocals); Karen Aniol (violin, vocals); Bill Hawryschuk (drums); and special guest for this festival is Mark Shnuriwsky on guitar and vocals. For more information about ZIRKA, please visit www.zirkamusic.com; www.facebook.com/zirkamusic/ & on Twitter and Instagram @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.