Canadian Bandurist Capella
The Canadian Bandurist Capella A vocal-instrumental choral group which combines the sound of a male chorus with the orchestral accompaniment of the multi-stringed Ukrainian Bandura.
The Canadian Bandurist Capella was established in 1991 by Victor Mishalow having its first performance in January 8 1992. In 2002 it became incorporated and officially changed its name back to the Canadian Bandurist Capella. The ensemble has grown to become a significant force within the Ukrainian Community in Canada. It unites the talents of some 50 singers and instrumentalists.
The repertoire of the ensemble has grown to encompass not only arrangements of epic historic songs and traditional folk songs, but also sacred music and modern compositions.
The Capella has performed throughout Upper Canada and is now continuing to expand its activities to other regions. Recently it has performed in Manitoba, Illinois and Quebec. The ensemble has made a number of recordings.
The artistic direction of the Canadian Bandurist Capella is made up of a team with Merited Artist of Ukraine - Victor Mishalow (Artistic director), Andrii Dmytrovych (Choir Master) Yuri Petlura (Concert Master).
Recently it recorded its second CD with guest artist Bass-baritone Pavlo Hunka.
Current direction
The ensemble is striving toward reviving the ensemble traditions set by the Poltava Bandurist Capella that developed under the direction of Hnat Khotkevych. To this goal it has ordered specially made Kharkiv style banduras from bandura maker William Vetzal and is training its bandurists to meet the challenges of this style of bandura music.
Sources
- Mishalow, V. A Short History of the Bandura // East European Meetings in Ethnomusicology 1999, Romanian Society for Ethnomusicology, Volume 6, - С.69-86
- Мішалов, В. “Кобзарська спадщина Гната Хоткевича у діаспорі” // Традиції і сучасне в українській культурі /Тези доповідей Міжнародної науково-практичної конференції, присвяченої 125-річчю Гната Хоткевича/ X.: 2002. - С.97-98
- Мішалов, В.. – Бандура в еміграційних центрах у міжвоєнний період (с.95-103) – Karpacki Collage Artystyczny – Biuletyn – Przemysl, 2005