MUSIC REVIEW: SUM's Prolisok choir releases debut recording (12/26/99)

MUSIC REVIEW: SUM's Prolisok choir releases debut recording

by Bohdanna Wolanska

NEW YORK - After a period of treading water culturally, the Ukrainian community in America is witnessing a burst of musical activity, as evidenced by a veritable plethora of new CD and tape releases by various artists, both from Ukraine and the local diaspora. There are recordings for every taste: folk, pop, and classical music, vocal, choral and instrumental albums, pieces performed in traditional style, and some in a synthesis of traditional, "Americanized" and original styles.

A recent entry in the latter category comes from Prolisok, the girls' choir of the New York branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) conducted by Andrij Stasiw.

The cover of Prolisok's debut album indicates the synthesis of approaches: a delicate blue flower exuberantly opening its petals to show its radiant golden center. Slowly it dawns on one that the cover is blue and yellow - traditional Ukrainian patriotic values cleverly presented with grace and originality, without the militant severity characteristic of much of the immigrant generation.

And so it is with the program. It starts with a pious "Molytva" (Prayer) and ends with the SUM anthem, "Vhoru Prapory" (Raise the Flags). In between, the indomitable anthem, "Oy u Luzi Chervona Kalyna" (The Guelder Rose in the Meadow) and a bombastic military march, "Svityt Misiatsi" (The Moons are Shining) mix comfortably with dreamy contemporary Ukrainian pop ballad "Chaika Stepova" (Seagull of the Steppes), a spirited rock-'n'-roll version of the folksong "Oy na Hori Dosch Ide" (Rain Falling on the Mountain), the moving contemporary anthem "Ukraino," the elemental, heart-tugging folksong "Ziydy, ta Ziydy" (Rise Bright Moon) in eastern Ukrainian dialect, an intriguing, harmonically restless jazz version of the otherwise hackneyed "Choven Khytayetsia" (The Boat is Greatly Rocking), a rhythmically infectious Spanish song "O Senore" and six more.

This eclectic mix of selections is cheerfully rendered by 23 charming young ladies age 10 to 13. What a delight to see those children many of whom were scurrying about underfoot in the SUM building 10 years ago, become full-fledged members of their community as teens! Mostly third-generation Ukrainians, very much at home in an American environment, they are still conscious of their musical-cultural heritage and obviously proud of it.

From its first uncertain, amateurish steps five years ago, Prolisok has matured into a self-assured, energetic, and musically more secure ensemble under the leadership of a young, but far from inexperienced conductor, Mr. Stasiw. His deceptively boyish (impish, even) appearance belies his many years of music-making at the keyboard (jazz and improvisation), at the podium (church choir), and at the microphone (recording artist on various pop albums, including those of Olya Chodoba-Fryz, the duo of Darka and Slavko). He has obviously struck a chord with his young charges, and the performances exude high levels of energy and commitment. Intonation is amazingly accurate for a non-professional choir, even in recreating the quixotically refreshing harmonic meanderings of "Choven Khytayetsia". Enunciation is admirable, even though some American accents do occasionally introduce.

Wisely, the choir did not attempt to bite off more than it could chew. Most of the arrangements are straightforward with basic chord progressions and simple two-part harmonies. Interpretation is rudimentary, but the music is rendered with an innocent joy, confidence and natural enthuasiam that provides infectious (reminds me of another group that started one generation ago, a personal Promin favorite of mine).

Mr. Stasiw shows off some of his casually cool piano technique, but without overbearing the vocals. Two soloists, Natalka Rojowsky and Michelle Soroka, sing sweetly and clearly with unpainted sopranos. BeSharp Studio's Slavko Halatyn provides his usual high caliber engineering.

Regrettably, the album lists no author credits. I take the clever "Choven Khytayetsia" to be an original Stasiw arrangement. Others are authored compositions as well. True, some of the songs are in the public domain, but with such a varied group of selections, some information would be welcome. One can sense the involvement of this youngest generation of musicians in the musical milieu that gave them rise. Perhaps they can express their gratitude in their musical roots by giving a symbolic copy of their new album to the uncredited composer of "Zirvalasia Khurtovyna" (The Storm Arose), the venerable musicologist and composer Vasyl Vytvytsky, who today lies gravely ill and could use a little cheering up.

If you could use a little cheering up yourself or want to buy some gifts to cheer up friends or family for Christmas, you can order this album. You won't be sorry. Send $15 per CD or $10 per audiocassette plus $2 shipping ($5 if you want it sooner) to: Ivanka Zajac, UAYA New York Branch, 136 Second Ave., Second Floor, New York, NY 10003. Make checks payable to Prolisok Girls' Choir.

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