Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus

The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus to seek new conductor in 2008

After almost twelve years at its artistic helm, Oleh Mahlay will be stepping down as Artistic Director and Conductor of the internationally renowned Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (UBC) at the end of the 2007-2008 concert season. Mr. Mahlay has been directing the UBC since 1996, and his tenure is highlighted by a Western European concert tour, a historic series of concerts and events in Ukraine during the 10 Year Ukrainian Independence Anniversary Celebration, a commitment to youth and educational programs of the UBC, as well as the recent concert tour which commemorated the work of Hryhory Kytasty. Prior to being selected as the artistic director, Mahlay was the Chorus' assistant conductor and concertmaster, and an active member of the concert ensemble since 1987. Mahlay has been credited for revitalizing the membership of the UBC with talented bandura players and vocalists from all over North America.

Oleh Mahlay plans to take some time off to spend with family and possibly explore other musical ventures. Mahlay states, "It was not an easy decision to close this chapter in my artistic life and leave a group of devoted and charismatic individuals. Most people do not appreciate the caliber of individuals who make up the Chorus; individuals who deeply care about the kobzar tradition, understand the importance of the Chorus' work throughout the world, and are open to exploring new musical concepts." He continues, "After almost 20 years of intense commitment to this legendary group, it is time to step away in order to re-energize, focus on my family, and pass the torch to my successor. As I told the membership, at the end of my current tenure I will become the Kapelia's number one fan!"

During his time as Conductor, Mahlay has worked with the President of the UBC, Anatoli Murha, for over eight years. Working together, they released five diverse recordings, organized tours, concerts and special events throughout North America, Europe and Ukraine. Mahlay said, "Having strong administrative leadership has been one of the keys to the success of the UBC. It is rare to find such a good working relationship between art and commerce. Working together, Anatoli and I have been able to create a wonderful team consisting of the entire membership, which has led to a growth in our audience and an ability to spread the word about the bandura to Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike. I have no doubt that the Chorus will continue to blossom as it approaches its 100 year anniversary in 2018."

UBC President Murha stated, "It should be noted that Maestro Mahlay looks forward to returning to the UBC one day and that his stepping down is a personal decision, not organizational." A search committee has been formed. Murha continues, "It is our intent to have a new conductor in place and working with the membership on or before September 1, 2008. The search committee will identify candidates, interview them and make recommendations to the membership of the UBC for final decision." According to the by-laws of the UBC, the active membership must vote for the conductor. Murha states, "The year 2008 is very important to the Ukrainian community as it begins to commemorate the Holodomor. We have been invited to join the commemoration in addition to other projects slated for 2008 and 2009. Finding a new conductor is priority number one so that we can continue our ambassadorial mission."

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