“How many strings does it have?” and “Where can I learn to play?” are common question that any bandura player (bandurist) encounters in addition to being asked to play an impromptu concert in the airport security line. Answers, respectively: 60 to 65, and Kobzarska Sich.
New bandurists and long-time bandura enthusiasts will converge this August 6-20 at All Saints Camp in Emlenton, Pa. Since 1979, over 1,000 bandurists have made Kobzarska Sich a temporary home in their musical journey. KS is organized by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.
This year, participants will have an opportunity to learn from the artistic director and conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, Oleh Mahlay. As music director and conductor of KS 2016, Mr. Mahlay will lead a talented line-up of bandura and choral instructors from the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, the Canadian Bandurist Capella and the Women’s Bandurist Ensemble.
Designed for children age 12 and older, as well as adults of all ages, KS teaches the technique of playing bandura, bandura history and elementary music theory (as needed), while working in small groups and ensembles. Participants prepare for a final concert to be held on the last day of camp. Plenty of free time is built into the program in order for participants and staff to collaborate musically and develop lifelong friendships. As is the case at other cultural, music and youth group camps, attendees converge from all over North America.
Bohdan Iwaskewycz
Kobzarska Sich 2015 participants on stage with Ruslana and the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in Toronto at Massey Hall.
The 2015 Kobzarska Sich ensemble took part in two of North America’s largest community events after the August 2015 program. On October 24, 2015, KS participants joined Ruslana and the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus on stage before a 2,500 capacity audience at Toronto’s Massey Hall. KS participants also traveled to Washington to participate in the Holodomor commemorative concert on November 8, 2015, at Lisner Auditorium as part of the national Holodomor Memorial events.
Registered participants of KS 2016 will have post-camp performance opportunities so that they can share what they learned and reunite with their fellow bandurists.
KS is offering five scholarships this year. One full scholarship will be available through the Ivan Zinchuk Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko and another through a private donor. Additionally, partial scholarships will be available through the Eugene Ciura and Stefania Krislaty funds, and from private donor support. Scholarships applications must be received by June 15.
Interested participants are encouraged to enroll early to ensure placement. For more information, scholarship requirements and a registration package, visit www.bandura.org or contact the administrator of Kobzarska Sich, Anatoli Murha, at 734-658-6452 or [email protected].
Borderland Productions
Kobzarska Sich Music Director Oleh Mahlay (center) with Ivan Dusanowskyj (left) and Borys Ostapienko (right).