Detroit/Windsor grads' society to honor Shesiuk

DETROIT - The Ukrainian Graduates of Detroit and Windsor have selected Volodymyr Shesiuk to be the recipient of the 2001 Ukrainian of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Ukrainian community and culture.

Maestro Shesiuk has had a lengthy and illustrious music career beginning in Ukraine. In 1975 he was selected to be the conductor of the Lviv Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. During this time, he was also the Conductor of the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theater. His talent took him to Moscow in 1983, where he was appointed the conductor-in-residence of the Bolshoi Theater. In 1985 his career took him to Central Asia when the Kyrgyzstan government appointed him chief conductor of the National Opera and Ballet Theater. In this position, he conducted over 100 performances per year with various orchestras and theaters throughout the former Soviet Union.

Maestro Shesiuk immigrated in 1991 to the United States, where he has continuously promoted his Ukrainian heritage. He was appointed music director and conductor of the Livonia (Michigan) Symphony in 1994. During the seven years he has held this position he has often featured Ukrainian music and musicians. One of his most notable concerts, presented in 1996, was titled "Chornobyl Remembered," which also included an art exhibit. In May 2000, Maestro Shesiuk conducted the world premiere of Myroslav Skoryk's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra with Volodymyr Vynnytsky as soloist.

Maestro Shesiuk also has a deep appreciation and love for Ukrainian choral music. As choir director of the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir in Warren, Mich., since 1994, he has perpetuated the beautiful tradition of Ukrainian church choral music. To celebrate the 2,000th year of Christianity, Mr. Shesiuk conducted a concert of religious music presented by a choir composed of members of Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox churches in the Detroit metropolitan area. The concert was very well received and an enthusiastic standing ovation followed.

The students at Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Warren are very fortunate this year to have Maestro Shesiuk as their music teacher. Thus, he is sharing his love of music and vast music expertise with a new generation.

The scholarship and awards banquet will be held on Sunday, November 4, at St. Josaphat Banquet Center on Ryan Road and McKinley in Warren, Mich., beginning at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call Olga Solovey, (313) 274-7319.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 21, 2001, No. 42, Vol. LXIX

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