Hunka Visits Toronto Centres

Olena Wawryshyn

Bass-baritone Pavlo Hunka was in Toronto from December 5 to 12 to promote his new recording, Kyrylo Stetsenko: The Art Songs.

As part of his promotional tour, the British-born and -based opera singer visited various Ukrainian institutions and centres, including, St. Vladimir Institute, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Ivan Franko Home, St. Demetrius Residence, and the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, where he thrilled the residents by playing the piano and singing songs from his new CD.

The CD, launched in September 2006, features 42 songs by Ukrainian composer Kyrylo Stetsenko (1882-1922). Canadian singers baritone Russell Braun and tenor Benjamin Butterfield perform on the recording as collaborating artists, as does and Gryphon Trio cellist Roman Borys.

The Toronto Star’s music critic John Terauds wrote: “... these easy listening discs are a treat in all respects.”   The Edmonton Journal’s Bill Rankin wrote that “Hunka’s approach to the more intimate form is splendid.”

At an evening hosted by St. Vladimir Institute on December 8, music lovers had a chance to learn about the process of recording the CD during a question-and-answer period with Hunka.  In addition, musicologist Wasyl Sydorenko made a presentation on the life and work of Kyrylo Stetsenko.

Hunka is currently embarking on another recording project featuring the songs of composer Mykola Lysenko.