CD Glorifies Kozak Bravery

The Detroit-based Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (Kapelia Bandurystiv imeny T. Shevchenka) has released a new CD recording called Bayda.

“Bayda, with its rich and challenging bandura orchestration, serves as the focus of this disc. At the same time, there is also a variety of songs showcasing the male choral sound of the ensemble. Through the performance of these historic works and new arrangements, we are also paying homage to over 400 years of Kozak history and bravery,” says UBC’s Artistic Director and Conductor Oleh Mahlay.

Composers whose works are featured on the CD include: Oleksandr Koshyts, Hnat Khotkevych,  Hryhoriy  Kytasty and Mykola Lysenko.

The title song tells a story of Prince Dmytro “Bayda” Vyshnevetsky – the first Kozak otaman and a founding member of the Kozak nobility. He was taken prisoner by the Turks and executed in Istanbul in 1563. Hnat Khotkevych’s orchestration, incorporating Ukrainian and Turkish musical scenes, sets the scene for the showdown between Bayda and the Turkish Sultan. In this piece, John Zinchuk  sings the role of Bayda, and Andrew Soroka the role of the Sultan.

Other songs on the CD include: “Song of Kozak Nechay,” “Hamalia Suite,” “Medley of Ukrainian Dance Songs,” “Yatran,” “Song of the Gray Cuckoo,” “The Horn-Owl On The Grave,” and “The Mighty Dnipro River.” Solo performances by Teodozij Pryshlak, Ihor Kusznir, Ihor Stasiuk, Taras Zakordonski, Victor Sheweli, and Mychail Newmerzyckyj are featured as is a bandura solo by Orest Sklierenko.  There are also two instrumental, bandura-only tracks: “Song Dance” and “The Kozak Road.”

Founded in 1918, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus has been based in the United States since the late 1940s when many of its members immigrated to North America from Europe. Their new CD was made possible in part by close to 200 supporters.

Bayda is available as of December 6, 2006 online at www.bandura.org (credit-card purchases) or by calling 734-953-0305 (purchasing by cheque).