Choral Concert Heralds 120^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada

The New Pathway’s John Pidkowich interviewed Kvitka Kondracki, Musical Director of the Vesnivka Choir, about upcoming concerts in Toronto and St. Catharines, Ont., "A Tribute to Ukrainian Canadian Pioneers" to celebrate the 120^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada (1891-2011). Vesnivka’s performances are with the Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir and special guests the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton, under the direction of Orest Soltykevych.

John Pidkowich: How did the idea of a combined anniversary concert become a reality between the Toronto and Edmonton choirs? When did preparations begin and how have rehearsals been organized to arrive at a tour de force performance?

Kvitka Kondracki: One year ago, we discussed the possibility of a joint concert. The Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton has never performed in Toronto. Therefore, they were very interested in singing here. Preparations began at the beginning of this year: the programme was selected and music was sent out to the choirs to learn. Rehearsals for both choirs will be on the weekend of the concert, but I don’t expect any problems as both choirs should be well prepared.

JP: How did the choirs arrive at selecting the programme’s sacred choral works and secular folk songs? Is it by virtue of the fact that these works are by Ukrainian Canadian composers and suitable for themes on the early immigrant and settlement experience of Ukrainians in Canada? Please describe the choral works performed.

KK: To mark the 120^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, it was decided to highlight the works of two composers; Zenoby Lawryshyn and Oleksander Koshetz. In the programme, the sacred and secular works of Lawryshyn will be presented as well as the premire of three commissioned songs about immigration. The Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton in their selections will present a song about Ukrainian settlement in Canada – “That Old Sheepskin Coat” – lyrics by Anna Zwozdesky and music by her son, Gene Zwozdesky. Another work in its 80,000 voices, written by Donna Creighton and Jo-Anne Lawton, tells of the suffering experienced during the internment. The concert will end with the combined choirs presenting the sacred and secular works of O. Koshetz.

JP: How do the choral pieces performed, either by the joint choirs or by individual choir, showcase the choral talent assembled for this anniversary concert. Are these works part of the respective choirs’ repertoire, relearned for modified arrangement or newly-learned.

KK: For Vesnivka and TUMCC, 80% of the repertoire is new. The sacred works of Koshetz are elaborate and require a four-part male choir. They have never been able to perform these works until now due to the addition of the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton.

JP: Please describe the significance of staging the anniversary concert to the Ukrainian Canadian community and Canadian society, in general.

KK: In celebrating the 120^th Anniversary of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, we bring attention to the fact that the First Wave of Ukrainian immigration settled the West and were an integral part of building this nation.

JP: What contribution or impact do you believe performing, attending concerts and listening to Ukrainian choral works and songs has on Ukrainian or Canadian music and culture?

KK: In the ten years of concert series, Vesnivka has brought forth programmes which highlighted various Ukrainian composers; classical and contemporary. Each series presented a new and unique programme with guest artists such as: Elmer Isler Singers; Gryphon Trio; Amadeus Choir; Pavlo Hunka and others. As a result, Ukrainian music has been showcased to Canadian audiences and choirs. We now can hear choirs such as Elmer Isler Singers, Amadeus Choir, and Orpheus Choir include Ukrainian music in their repertoire.

 JP: As Chair of the Ukrainian Canadian National Arts Committee at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, what role does the committee’s work play in the development, knowledge and appreciation of Ukrainian Canadian culture in Canada?

KK: The primary purpose of the Ukrainian Canadian National Arts Committee is one as a resource centre collecting and organizing materials and information on various Ukrainian artists and arts groups throughout Canada. Also, in uniting the various Ukrainian arts groups under one umbrella, under the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Arts might have a stronger lobby when it comes to seeking grants and other funding from both government and private sector in Canada. Future projects could include facilitating professional development workshops, for example, dance, choral or theatre workshops.

The Vesnivka Choir presents concert performances "A Tribute to Ukrainian Canadian Pioneers" in Toronto on October 16 at 7 pm. at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd., and in St. Catharines on October 17 at 2:30 pm. at the Ukrainian Black Sea Hall, 455 Welland Ave. Tickets are available at the door. General Seating.

PHOTOS

1 - Vesnivka Choir, Kvitka Kondracki, Musical Director (front centre) (Photo - Nykola Parzei)

2 - Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton; Orest Soltykevych, Conductor (far right) (Photo - Cassian Soltykevych)