NEW RELEASE: Voloshky trio's fourth recording of Ukrainian music (07/18/04)

NEW RELEASE: Voloshky trio's fourth recording of Ukrainian music

SASKATOON - The female vocal trio Voloshky is releasing its fourth album of Ukrainian music. Titled "The Best of Voloshky," the release is expected to be available near the end of July.

Voloshky, one of Canada's best known Ukrainian popular music vocal ensembles, is composed of Nadya Foty of Edmonton, Marusia Kachkowski of Minneapolis and Christina Sokyrka of Saskatoon. All three vocalists are members of Branch 444 of the Ukrainian National Association.

Often described as a "natural blend," these three voices' harmonies can again be appreciated on this latest album.

"We wanted to give our listeners something they may not have heard recorded before. Some of the songs we have chosen have ancient roots and have been around for a long time, but by adding a modern flavor, these songs are really unique," said Ms. Sokyrka.

She added, "We chose these songs because they are not as well known and are not recorded very often. However they are songs that anyone can sing along to with very basic melodies."

"Working with selected musicians from Edmonton and Saskatoon, and compiling these amazing new tracks have given Voloshky a new sound," Ms. Sokyrka said.

The recording was completed in Edmonton on June 5. Voloshky have engaged musicians from Edmonton and Saskatoon for the musical accompaniment. The musicians are Jonathan Locher (accordion and keyboard), Curtis Phagoo (bass) and Clint Moroziuk (drums), all of Edmonton; and Carissa Klopoushak (violin, guitar and percussion) of Saskatoon.

Ms. Klopoushak is the principal of the second violin section of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of the orchestra with the Lastiwka Choir of Saskatoon that toured Ukraine last summer. She graduated with a music degree from the University of Saskatchewan and was recognized as the most distinguished graduate of the College of Music this year.

Ms. Klopoushak's playing of the violin, sopilka and drymba and Mr. Locher's on the tsymbaly, generate a genuine folk sound that enhances the modern styling for this recording.

Voloshky's next scheduled live appearances include the Karpaty Ukrainian Pavilion at FolkFest in Saskatoon, on August 19-21, and Ukraine Day in the Park (to be confirmed), in Saskatoon, August 28. The group has also been approached by the Music Department at the University of Saskatchewan to perform a recital as part of the "In Performance Series," which traditionally features performances by music professors, as well as local and international artists. The recitals are provided for the benefit of music students whose attendance is compulsory. The recital by Voloshky will take place Thursday, January 13, 2005. Admission is available to the general public.

Since their founding in 1991, Voloshky have appeared at Ukrainian venues throughout North America including Canada's National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba; the Soyuzivka resort in Kerhonkson, N.Y.; Verkhovyna Ukrainian Festival, Glen Spey, N.Y.; Vesna Festival and Folkfest, Saskatoon; Hopak in the Park, Edmonton; Jasper Park Lodge Malanka, Jasper, Alberta; Mosaic Festival, Regina, Saskatchewan; Petroleum Club Malanka, Calgary, Alberta, and many others.

They released their first album "Blossoming" in 1996, the second, "Fantazia," in 1999 and the third, "A Christmas Album," was produced in conjunction with CBC/Radio, Regina, in 2000. Voloshky have been featured on the television program "Kontakt" as well as CBC radio nationally on the "Max Ferguson Show" and frequently on CBC radio in Saskatchewan. Their music has also been broadcast on radio in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine.

In the past, Voloshky have received much acclaim for their work. For example, Bonnie Austring-Winter, performance producer for CBC, stated, "The beauty of the songs and their exquisite harmonies definitely captivated the audience. In fact, my observation was that people were mesmerized."

The new album will be available in CD format at Ukrainian music stores. The album may also be ordered by phone by calling (306) 955-5366 or e-mailing voloshka@hotmail.com.

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