TORONTO – The Ukrainian Art Song Project on July 27 announced that eight vocalists from across North America will participate in its second annual Summer Institute. The program runs from August 13 to 19 in Temerty Theater at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory’s TELUS Center for Performing and Learning.
These artists will conclude their weeklong residency by performing in a finale recital, “Artists in Performance,” on August 19.
Participating in the 2018 Summer Institute are: Douglas Graham, baritone; Julie Anna Gulenko, soprano; Kateryna Khartova, soprano; Olenka Slywynska, mezzo-soprano, and Allison Walmsley, soprano. Returning to the Summer Institute again this season are: Olesia Verzole, soprano; Andrew Skitko, tenor; and Ariane Meredith, Mezzo-soprano.
Led by Artistic Director Pavlo Hunka, faculty members are Albert Krywolt, pianist; Robert Kortgaard, pianist; and Dr. Melanie Turgeon, ensemble coach. Joining this year’s faculty as an additional ensemble coach is Dr. Anna Ferenc.
On August 15-17, the general public is invited to enjoy a behind-the -scenes look as these eight vocalists are taken through an intensive immersion into Ukrainian Art Songs – the language, poetic realm, musical style, socio-historical context and performance practice. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating. (To register, log on to: https://www.ukrainianartsong.ca/si-auditing-form.)
The Summer Institute concludes on Sunday, August 19, at 3 p.m. p.m., with “Artists in Performance,” a rare opportunity to hear the eight extraordinary rising stars, as they interpret the works of Ukrainian composers, including Ostap and Nestor Nyzhankivsky, Myroslav Volynsky, and Jaroslav Lopatynsky, with piano accompaniment by Messrs. Krywolt and Kortgaard. Mr. Hunka, an internationally renowned bass-baritone, will provide lively and insightful commentary.
At this recital, the Ukrainian Art Song Project will launch the much-anticipated “Galicians II” recording, including 82 Ukrainian art songs. The release of this recording adds another collection to the ever-growing library that has already been released.
Tickets for the performance are $18 for students (with ID) and $37 for adults. They may be purchased in person at the RCM Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West; online at www.ukrainianartsong.ca; or by calling 416-408-0208.
The Ukrainian Art Song Project was founded in 2004 with the goal of acquiring and promoting the classical treasures of Ukrainian art song and aims to record and publish a veritable anthology of over 1,000 art songs by more than 26 of Ukraine’s greatest composers. The project operates under the auspices of the Canadian Ukrainian Opera Association, a registered charity whose objectives are to promote Ukrainian classical music in all forms, including live performances and recordings.
The Summer Institute helps ensure that Ukrainian art songs are discovered, learned and performed globally. These art songs speak eloquently about the country’s history, challenges and character; they deserve to be performed and to take their place on the classical world’s stage. Last year’s participants have already incorporated the art songs they learned at the institute into their repertoires and are sharing them with colleagues, teachers and audiences.
For more information on the Ukrainian Art Song Project, readers may go to www.ukrainianartsong.ca.