Choral workshop slated in Toronto (04/04/99)

Choral workshop slated in Toronto

by Michelle Bycko and Natalia Basladynsky

TORONTO - For years local Ukrainian communities have fought to keep culture alive. The Ukrainian Canadian Choral Federation, the Ukraina Bandura Camp and the Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp, for example, have promoted interest in Ukrainian music and instruments. Now these organizations are coordinating their efforts and have announced that a Choral Workshop of Ukrainian Music will be held in Toronto on Friday, April 23, through Sunday, April 25.

This intensive seminar will give participants the unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge of Ukrainian folk, religious and contemporary music as well as participate in ensemble singing. Leading this adventure in music will be three individuals with extensive musical backgrounds: Halyna Kvitka Kondracki from Toronto, Oleh Mahlay from Cleveland and Myron Maksymiw from Toronto.

Ms. Kondracki has successfully led the Vesnivka Female Choir of Toronto for 30 years; she also conducts the all-male Burlaka Choir in Toronto.

Mr. Mahlay has commenced his third year as the musical director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America. He has conducted St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Choir in Cleveland and has served as instructor at various music workshops and camps.

Mr. Maksymiw is the conductor of the Boyan Choir and the St. Demetrius Choir in Toronto.

The sponsors hope to expand the popularity and appreciation of the Ukrainian music via this seminar. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the various choirs led by the lecturers, and the seminar will serve in part as a recruiting session for these choirs.

It should be noted that Mr. Mahlay aspires to form a mixed-voice folk choir affiliated with the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, giving younger male and female singers the opportunity to perform Ukrainian traditional choral and folk music in ensemble.

Ultimately, the sponsors and faculty desire to give participants the chance to enrich their musical knowledge, to share their singing interest with other individuals, and to encourage them to continue the Ukrainian musical tradition in their local communities.

Information about the Choral Workshop of Ukrainian Music as well as an application may be obtained by contacting: Choral Workshop of Ukrainian Music, 78 Brule Gardens, Toronto, Ontario M6S 4J2, Canada; telephone, (416) 763-2197. The $50 (Canadian) fee includes workshop tuition, all printed music, as well as meals for the weekend.

| Home Page |