Bandurist Chorus sponsors koliada workshop (02/09/97)

Bandurist Chorus sponsors koliada workshop

by Volodymyr Murha

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - "Koliada" is not just the Ukrainian word for a Christmas carol, it is an activity, a feeling; it is Ukrainian warmth. St. Mary's Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Southfield, Mich., was the site of a recent koliada event: a Christmas carol workshop held December 26-29, 1996, that brought 25 attendees from Chicago, Toronto, London and Cleveland.

This was the first carol workshop organized by Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus members Anatoli Murha and Mykola Schitowka. Both are also the administrators of the annual Kobzarska Sich and Camp Ukraina summer bandura/vocal events.

The quality of the koliada workshop was enhanced by Oleh Mahlay, conductor and musical director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, and Nadya Tarnawska, director of the Vocal Workshop for Female Voices held annually in Cleveland.

The five-day effort was part of the community outreach program now being implemented by younger professionals of the Bandurist Chorus.

On Sunday, December 29, the workshop performed after liturgy at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warren, Mich. Later, after a requested repeat performance in the church hall, the workshop participants turned into koliadnyky and took to the surrounding Ukrainian neighborhood.

Attendees ranged in age from 13 to 40; some played the bandura, while others sang. The repertoire touched upon rarely heard koliady. Participants had fun, but at the same time they worked hard to accomplish an excellent professional sound.

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The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is looking for community feedback regarding workshop endeavors. Communities willing to co-sponsor a bandura and/or vocal workshop, are asked to contact the chorus, which will bring in the instructors if a community is willing to take care of logistics. Please contact: Anatoli Murha, 15356 Ellen Drive, Livonia, MI 48154; (313) 953-0305; e-mail: [email protected]; or Mykola Schitowka, 7067 Beattie St. W., Lambeth, Ontario N0L 1S1; (519) 652-3043; e-mail: [email protected]

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