Olexander Koshetz Choir to hold 50th anniversary reunion in October (09/15/96)

Olexander Koshetz Choir to hold 50th anniversary reunion in October

WINNIPEG - The Olexander Koshetz Choir of Winnipeg is celebrating a milestone: its 50th anniversary. The Koshetz Choir, founded in 1946 by Ukrainian Canadian youth inspired by their music teacher Dr. Olexander Koshetz, is one of the largest and oldest community-based Ukrainian choirs in Canada.

Special 50th anniversary celebrations are planned for the weekend of October 11-13 in Winnipeg. Linda Hunter, president of the Koshetz Choir, explained, "The choir has touched many peoples' lives over the last 50 years. We have hundreds of alumni all over the world and would love to have them participate in these special anniversary events. This is also an opportunity to reunite alumni of the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Courses which attracted hundreds of Ukrainian youth from across North America from 1941 to 1963."

Dr. Walter Klymkiw, conductor of the choir for the past 45 years, said he was excited about the weekend. "We are thrilled to have Anatoly Avdievsky of Ukraine and Larry Ewashko of Ottawa as guest conductors for the commemorative concert. Our choir has always had a strong connection with Ukraine. On our third and fourth world tours we delighted Ukrainian audiences with music which had been previously restricted under Soviet rule. We have played a significant role in retaining the cultural, religious and choral history of Ukraine."

Other highlights of the 50th anniversary weekend include a wine and cheese reception, a gala 50th anniversary banquet and commemorative concert featuring the Koshetz Choir, the Rusalka and Orlan dance ensembles, and soloists past and present.

For more information contact Ms. Hunter, (204) 255-7975.