Ridna Dusha Trio preserves Ukrainian heritage through song

CLEVELAND - The 10th anniversary celebrations of Ukraine's independence in Kyiv last year brought together various artistic ensembles from all corners of the globe to celebrate Ukrainian culture. Among them was the trio Ridna Dusha (Native Spirit), a female vocal group formed in 2000. The trio had the privilege of being one of only three groups from the United States invited to perform at the Third World Forum of Ukrainians.

The members of the Ridna Dusha Trio are Roma Konecky of Pittsburgh, Michelle Schidowka of Cleveland and Natalia Basladynsky-Mahlay of Cleveland.

At a gala concert at the Ukraina Palace of Culture on August 18, 2001, over 40 vocal and dance groups from around the world took to the stage to celebrate "Ukrainian Song in the World." The trio performed a moving rendition of an old folk song "In the Green Grove" and was greeted with exuberant applause. The next evening the trio performed at an outdoor concert on St. Michael's Square. Both of these performances were televised live throughout Ukraine with re-broadcasts the week of independence celebrations, giving millions of viewers the opportunity to see this new trio.

The formation of Ridna Dusha finds its roots many years ago as Mmes. Konecky, Mahlay and Schidowka met in 1992 at a summer bandura camp, Kobzarska Sich, in Emlenton, Pa. Their interest in the bandura and Ukrainian music drew the women back each year, and they eventually became bandura instructors at bandura camps in Ontario and Pennsylvania, as well as their hometowns.

Throughout the years, these female musicians continued to cultivate their individual bandura skills, develop their voices and experience the richness of Ukrainian songs. They have had the opportunity to work with musicians such as singer Alexis Kochan-Budyk, bandurist Julian Kytasty, conductor Halyna Kvitka Kondracki (music director of the Vesnivka female choir in Toronto), and teacher Oleh Mahlay (artistic director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of Detroit). Mr. Mahlay currently acts as the trio's vocal coach.

Ms. Konecky, 23, is currently conducting research under the neuroscience program at the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Mahlay, 24, is enrolled in a joint degree program in law/master of business administration at The Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Ms. Schidowka, 24, is pursuing a master's degree in speech-language pathology at Cleveland State University. Despite their respective career aspirations, their intense love for Ukrainian music plays a pivotal role in their lives.

The repertoire of Ridna Dusha consists of a capella Ukrainian folk and classical music. The trio has performed at various concerts and festivals in Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

For more information about the Ridna Dusha trio contact Ms. Mahlay at [email protected].

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 17, 2002, No. 7, Vol. LXX

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