NEW RELEASE: Two new recordings of bandura music (01/30/00)

NEW RELEASE: Two new recordings of bandura music

by Adriana Shmahalo

CLOVIS, Calif. - "Three Concertos by Yuriy Oliynyk - Ola Herasymenko, Bandura" is a CD of historic significance. since it is the first ever to feature original music for the concert bandura and symphony orchestra.

The CD includes three concertos for bandura and orchestra by Yuriy Oliynyk. Ola Herasymenko Oliynyk, the bandura virtuoso featured as a soloist in these performances, is the first professional bandurist to appear with both American and European symphony orchestras. The recordings were done with the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra and Lviv Virtuosos Orchestra conducted by National Artist Prof. Yuriy Luciw and Honored Artist Serhiy Burko.

Both Ms. Herasymenko and Mr. Oliynyk were recently awarded honorable citations by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv for special contribution to Ukrainian culture abroad.

Concerto No. 1 became known as "American" after it was revealed that the composer although born in Ukraine, has spent most of his life in the United States. The melodies do, however, retain Ukrainian character in a neo-romantic style.

Concerto No. 2 the "Romantic " contains many subtle quotations of ancient Ukrainian melodies. The bandura is featured prominently against the orchestral texture.

Concerto No. 4, the "Trypillian," pays tribute to the Trypillian culture that flourished in Ukraine between 6000 and 1000 BC. The major and minor tonalities, the joyful and somber coexist in this concerto, sometimes simultaneously.

Another recording, featuring Ola and Oksana Herasymenko, is titled "On Ukrainian Christmas." Available on cassette or CD it is a collection of both familiar and little-known Ukrainian Christmas carols in a new arrangement for two banduras and the velvety, cultured voices of the Herasymenko sisters. The sound is professional, crystal clear and of the highest quality. The banduras and voices blend into one artistic entity, with other instruments joining in from time to time.

There are 22 carols on the album - all Ukrainian except the classic "Silent Night" is by Franz Gruber.

To order either the CD or cassette versions of either recording, send a check or money order to: Ola Oliynyk, 5253 Glancy Drive, Carmichae, CA 95608-5458. Each CD is $15 plus $2 for shipping and handling; cassettes are $10 plus $1.50 for shipping.

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