Two venues offer bandura camps (05/07/00)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Two venues offer bandura camps

by Anatoli W. Murha

DETROIT - The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus has announced its summer program for all bandura enthusiasts.

Bandura Camp Ukraina will be held Sunday, July 23, through Saturday, August 5, at the Ukraina Vacation Resort in London, Ontario, where the final concert will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 5.

Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp will be held Sunday, August 6, through Sunday, August 20, at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church Campgrounds in Emlenton, Pa., with a final concert at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 20.

Participants at both camps will take part in a program that consists of training in bandura technique, singing, solo and ensemble playing, bandura history and, for advanced players, the Kharkiv style of playing.

There is time also for recreational activities such as swimming and sports. Enthusiasts of all proficiency and age levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. Instruction is in both English and Ukrainian.

This year Julian Kytasty of New York City will be the musical director at both Ukraina and Kobzarska Sich. Luba Kozak of Toronto will be the vocal instructor at Ukraina. Participants at both camps will also have the opportunity to meet Oleh Mahlay, artistic director and conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.

To receive a registration packet and for more information on both camps, call or e-mail Mykola Schidowka at (519) 652-3043, or [email protected]; or Anatoli W. Murha at (734) 953-0305, or [email protected].

The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus was formed in Kyiv in 1918. It survived both Soviet and Nazi occupations, and since 1949 has enjoyed freedom of artistic expression in the United States. This male chorus is based in Detroit, but has members throughout North America: in Alberta, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Ontario and Pennsylvania.

The chorus has preserved and promoted the art of the bandura by amassing an extensive discography, and by touring North America, Europe and Australia. The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is a laureate of the Shevchenko State Prize, Ukraine's highest cultural award.

For more information on the bandura, the chorus and the camps, visit the website at www.bandura.org.

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