Manor slates 20th Ukrainian Festival (09/28/97)

Manor slates 20th Ukrainian Festival

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - Manor Junior College will celebrate its Ukrainian heritage during its annual Ukrainian Festival on Sunday, October 5, to be held from noon to 5 p.m. here on the college's campus.

In its 20th year, the Ukrainian Festival this year boasts a "new and improved" format, featuring Ukrainian dance and vocal performances on two stages, one indoors and one outside; new varieties of ethnic and other foods; traditional folk costumes, folk art exhibits, demonstrations, by master craftsmen and more craft vendors; and more children's activities, including pony and hay rides and a petting zoo.

The program will feature several returning performers and some new entertainers. This year Manor will welcome the Prometheus Male Chorus in its first appearance at the Ukrainian Festival, as well as a bandura group.

The Prometheus Male Chorus, founded in 1962, performs a repertoire of religious, classical and folk compositions with a rich, full-bodied, modern tone. In addition, pianist Irene Pelech-Zwarych performs solo works by Ukrainian composers.

The Bandura Group, together for about a year, consists of 10 children from St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School who play traditional Ukrainian folk songs on the bandura. The group's leader is Sister Bernarda OSBM.

Returning are the internationally acclaimed Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and School of Dance with its complement of 35 dancers and repertoire of over 40 traditional dances from all regions of Ukraine. The troupe has performed at such venues as the Pennsylvania Governor's Heritage Affairs Commission Christmas Show, the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration and at Lincoln Center.

Also returning to this year's festival is the Vesna Dance Ensemble. With dancers ranging in age from 4 to 18, the group has appeared at state fairs throughout the Delaware Valley, performing traditional Ukrainian dances from the central and Carpathian regions of Ukraine in colorful, traditional costumes.

Named for the principal river that flows through the mountainous Hutsul region of Ukraine, Cheremosh, a group that sees its primary purpose as perpetuating the traditional arts of the region, brings its traditional music and dance back to the festival this year. Cheremosh members are skilled artists who occasionally display their work in weaving, embroidery, wood carving and metal and leather working in public exhibitions. The dances are usually performed by sets of four couples, accompanied by a three-piece musical ensembles. The musicians play melodies passed from one generation to the next by ear.

Also returning to the Ukrainian Festival is the Soloveyky Children's Vocal Ensemble. Originating in Philadelphia, the group has performed traditional Ukrainian folk and religious songs at international festivals or church and school festivals for over 10 years under the direction of Prof. Zoya Markowycz.

The day will conclude with the drawing of a raffle, the grand prize of which is a four-day, three-night vacation for two in Orlando, Fla. Second prize is a basket of cheer. (Tickets will be on sale throughout the afternoon at three for $25 or $10 each.)

The college will celebrate a divine liturgy at 10:30 a.m. in the college chapel.

Tickets to the Ukrainian Festival, which will be held rain or shine, are $4 for adults and $1 for children. Parking is free. For more information call (215) 885-2360.

Manor Junior College is a private, coed, two-year Catholic college founded in 1947 by the Ukrainian Sisters of St. Basil the Great that offers associate degrees and transfer programs within three divisions: business, liberal arts and allied health/science and math.

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