Today at 12:08
More than 100 bandura players put on a show in Kyiv.
For the first time, the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America – and the Heorhiy Maiboroda National Honoured Bandurist Chorus – performed on stage.
The Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America – and the Heorhiy Maiboroda National Honoured Bandurist Chorus both have their roots in the Kyiv bandura capella, founded in the year 1918.
Part of the band was forced to emigrate to the United States due to World War II and the persecution of the Soviet government. They settled in Detroit, Michigan and reestablished their group there in 1949. Now, for the first time, the two bands gave a joint concert in Kyiv.
“The main thing is that people found a way, a possibility and a will to visit Ukraine — the land of their fathers and grandfathers. Because this capella was separated by the war,” Art Director and Head Coordinator of the Heorhiy Mayboroda National Bandura Capella Yuriy Kurach said.
Since then, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America has been actively touring the world and promoting Ukrainian culture and music
“When a non-Ukrainian sees a bandura somewhere, they are surprised. When they hear the way it sounds, it comes as a complete shock. They have no idea that kind of an instrument exists. Bandura is Ukraine’s hallmark. It’s a window to Ukraine,” Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Bandura Capella Art Director Oleh Makhay said.
Simultaneously, the second band was developing in Ukraine. With time, it received a status of the Heorhiy Maiboroda National Honoured Bandurist Chorus. Like their American counterparts, its members brought the Ukrainian bandura to the world stage
“Bandura is a special instrument, it’s unique. There is nothing like it in the world. It speaks of our soul, heart, country, nation, and mentality. And the bearers of this culture are outstanding people,” Minister of Culture Yevhen Nyshchuk said.
At the concert, the two sibling bands performed ballads, modern hits, historical, and religious songs, all accompanied by bandura.
