The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus
2009 Yearbook

1659  – THE YEAR UKRAINE WAS VICTORIOUS

A new recording by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus

DETROIT – The all-male Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (Kapelia Bandurystiv im. T. Shevchenka) announces the release of the anticipated recording – 1659.   In 1659, Ukraine was under siege for over two months as the invading Russian troops greatly outnumbered the Ukrainian forces at Konotop – a city in northeastern Ukraine close to the Russian border.  Hryhory Kytasty’s legendary composition about this invasion, “The Battle of Konotop”, is featured on this newly released recording by the UBC. 

Along with honoring the great Battle of Konotop, this recording also commemorates some of the prominent triumphs and tragedies that have occurred since 1659.  In his Testament, the great poet Taras Shevchenko inspires to "rise and break the shackles," and many of the songs heard on the recording heed this advice.  The Gathering Eagles depicts the haydamaky as they fight against social injustice in the 18th century.   March Ukraine! and the Song about Yuriy Tiutiunnyk memorialize 20th century battles for liberty.  The Black-Tilled Earth recognizes the horrors that members of the UBC left behind in the genocide that killed 7 to 10 million Ukrainians in 1932-33.  Good Evening, My Love, visits the lyrical beauty of Ukrainian folk songs while America the Beautiful pays homage to the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus' home since 1949. 

The spirit, valor, and sacrifice of those that the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus sings about has helped shape many lives in the 21st century as well.  Members of the UBC have been struggling, in their own way, to preserve the Ukrainian culture, history, and traditions since 1918.  This recording is the ensemble’s humble contribution to "Save Our Song." 

The recording of 1659 was made possible in part by the generous donations of UBC supporters who are listed in the CD booklet, and was recorded at SUMA Recording Studio in Painesville, Ohio with renowned recording engineer Paul Hamann in April, May and June of 2008.  This recording was the final project of long time Artistic Director and Conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, Oleh Mahlay who ended his 12 year tenure in 2008.  In July of 2008, the UBC proudly announced Adrian Bryttan as the newly elected Artistic Director and Conductor of the ensemble. 

Anatoli W. Murha, President of the UBC and Executive Producer of the project, states,  “The UBC has received an outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the production of 1659.  For the 60 years that the UBC has been operating in North America, we have developed a very loyal support base of individual and family sponsors along with foundation support and assistance from the various Ukrainian Credit Unions.  Your sponsorship and encouragement has helped make this, and all of our projects possible and we thank you.”

To order 1659 on our secured server, click here.

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New Photos of the UBC

The Bandura – The voice and soul of Ukraine

UBC Conductor Adrian Bryttan talking with UBC Concertmaster Andrij Birko

Teodozij Pryshlak – One of the senior most members of the UBC and soloist

The full concert ensemble under the direction of Adrian Bryttan

The full concert ensemble under the direction of Adrian Bryttan

Banduras in action

A close up

A close up of banduras, baritones, and basses

UBC Artistic Director and Conductor Adrian Bryttan at work

A close up of the tenors

Another full group shot

An outdoor shot

A smaller group of the UBC

A smaller group of the UBC

Andrij Kytasty with bandura, Lyubomyr Yakimiv (L) and John Zinchuk (R)

Two soloists and senior members of the UBC who also fought together in WWII
Teodozij Pryshlak (L) and Andrij Soroka (R)

Andrij Kytasty

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EUGENE CIURA TRIBUTE

On September 26, 2009, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus and St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor presented the Eugene Ciura Tribute Concert and Banquet in Windsor, Ontario, Canada at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor.

Eugene Ciura was a long time member of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus (UBC) and conductor of the St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor choir. Mr. Ciura’s involvement with the UBC started in Ukraine before the UBC immigrated to the United States.  Ciura was one of the original 17 members of the UBC that made it to the United States in 1949. During his distinguished time with the UBC, Mr. Ciura was a featured soloist and assistant conductor. Mr. Ciura was involved with bandura youth ensembles in Detroit, and was also the artistic director of the summer Bandura Camp in London, Ontario.  In addition to holding the position of church choir conductor at St. Vladimir’s, Mr. Ciura also organized and taught a youth bandura ensemble in Windsor. Mr. Ciura passed away in 2001.

The tribute began a memorial service for Eugene Ciura at St. Vladimir’s Sobor.   Following the memorial service, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus gave a short performance under the direction of Adrian Bryttan. Prior to the performance, Petro Kytasty, one of the last two surviving members of the original 17 UBC members that came to the United States with Mr. Ciura, spoke about Mr. Ciura’s legacy.

Memorial Service for Eugene Ciura

Petro Kytasty – Keynote Speaker

Proceeds from the tribute were be allocated for a memorial tombstone on Mr. Ciura’s final resting place.

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus sung the responses to the Divine Liturgy at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor.

Eugene Ciura
1915 - 2001

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