A behind-the-scenes look at the Veryovka tour (02/04/96)

A behind-the-scenes look at the Veryovka tour

by Halyna Kulyk

Not since the Virsky Ensemble has he Western hemisphere had the opportunity to see a truly professional caliber performance of Ukraine's most treasured talents. The Veryovka Ukrainian National Choral and Dance company as founded in 1943 in Kharkiv by Hryhoriy Veryovka initially as a choir; dancers and musicians were quickly added to reflect Ukraine's most beloved activities.

After many years of touring Europe, Veryovka finally has arrived on Western shores. Under the present direction of Anatoly Avdievsky, and with orchestra conductor Stanyslav Savchuk and choreographer Alexei Gomon (formerly with Virsky), Veryovka has now brought the "soul of the Ukrainian people through song and dance" to America.

In addition to well-known songs and dances, there are several pieces unknown to even Ukrainian American eyes and ears. With costumes matching the music of some less known regions (by American standards), the concert is not only entertaining, but a learning experience for both ourselves and others. The music is soul-quenching, the dancing exciting and meticulous, and the singing both thunderous and ethereal in quality.

But, while the view on stage was picture perfect, behind the wings were sad tales of Ukraine's struggling artists. Upon closer inspection, the beautiful costumes show the wear and tear of 20 to 30 years of near daily use. The instruments too (some hand-made by the musicians themselves) show signs of their talented handling. The morale is low as the hopes of their well-deserved earnings go instead to feeding their tired bodies. Both wages and the per diem are low by our standards (I earned thrice that amount 20 years ago), though the energy given to performance is higher.

An impromptu dinner hosted by St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cooper City, Fla., enabled us to catch a glimpse of life during the depression era. Eternally grateful for their first decent meal since their arrival, they put on a small performance that left many parishioners teary-eyed. My unplanned meeting (I was playing guide for friends) with one choir member led me to meet the entire ensemble.

Once my background was known, L professional courtesy was extended to, me such that I became one of them. It was after their final performance in Miami that I threw together a snack for 62 of them (which I later found out was their dinner) of kovbasa (30 Ibs) with crackers, mustard, pickles, babka (baked that morning) and cheese/cracker snack paks. The dancers also got granola bars and gatorade mix as they looked most undernourished. Scattered throughout the hotel, each group was called to pick up their meal, which was carefully divided by their choir "inspector" and costume manager.

I managed to converse with most every member in those few hours after the show and was later joined by fellow professional Yarko Antonevych. Mr. Antonevych brought his bandura to entertain the performers as I sat down to read their tour itinerary. We were served black bread, salo and cookies from Ukraine as we discussed every aspect of Ukrainian culture today. We finally left at 4:30 a.m. with tears in our eyes (everyone was overly emotional with the goodbyes), knowing we were their only visitors that night and promising to maintain that special bond we found.

I now write this article to urge all Ukrainians and their friends to not lose this opportunity to experience this deeply devoted company. For those churches and organizations that are able, please sponsor a dinner/fund-raiser for these artists. Even gifts of fruit and snacks brought to the stage door some three hours prior to a concert are most helpful. For any information on gifts or drop-off points, please call Tavria, (305) 864-4895. Tavria Arts Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to helping Ukrainian artists and athletes here and abroad. We are presently creating a special "Friends of Veryovka" group to offer additional support and raise money for badly needed new costumes.

Meanwhile, see their concerts and visit if possible. Ask to speak to their choir, ballet or music "inspectors," and tell them Halyna sent you.

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