Canadian Bandurist Capella

Canadian Bandurist Capella 2014

The Canadian Bandurist Capella (Ukrainian: Капеля Бандуристів Канади) A vocal-instrumental ensemble that combines the sounds of male choral singing with the orchestral accompaniment of the multi-stringed Ukrainian bandura. Originally established as "Toronto Bandurist Capella" in 2001, the ensemble has been performing under the name "Canadian Bandurist Capella" from 2004.^{[1] [2]}It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

History

The ensemble was founded in 2001 as a male bandurist chorus under the name “Toronto Bandurist Capella”. The original group was under the artistic direction of Victor Mishalow and included several instrumentalists from the Hryhory Kytasty Bandura Chorus as well as choristers from various Ukrainian choirs in Toronto. The ensemble premiered at the Canadian National Exhibition on August 23, 2001, with 24 performers.

The Canadian Bandurist Capella 2003

The group incorporated in 2003. In 2004 the ensemble officially changed its trade name to "Canadian Bandurist Capella" and released its first self-titled CD in June 2004.

During the first years the group performed in various cities across Ontario. The Capella’s first concert outside of Ontario was in Montreal, Quebec on March 27, 2004.

On May 21, 2006 the ensemble performed in Chicago, Illinois, marking its first international performance. Later that year the Capella made its first visit to the Canadian Prairies by performing in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in Dauphin, Manitoba at "Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival".

The group released its second CD titled "Грай Кобзарю!" (Play Kobzar!) with renown guest soloist Pavlo Hunka in the spring of 2008.

In 2009 the ensemble embraced a ‘narrative performance style’ that included musical numbers interspersed with stories and poems. This included programs such as "Слово Тараса" ("Word of Taras"), “Козацька Слава” ("Kozak Glory") and "Слава Героям УПА" ("Glory to Our Heroes UPA").

In 2013 Andriy Dmytrovych was appointed the Artistic Director of the Capella. Under his artistic direction the group released its third CD (First Live Recording) "In Memory of Those Who Lost Their Lives on the Maidan".

Audio Recordings

1. "Canadian Bandurist Capella" (2004) 14 tracks

2. "Гpaй Кoбзapю!" (Play Kobzar!) (2008) 12 tracks

3. “In Memory of Those Who Lost Their Lives on the Maidan” (2014) 12 tracks

Artistic Directors

• Victor Mishalow (2001-2013)
• Yurij Petlura (2013) Temporary. Other positions include: Concertmaster (2001-2013), Assistant conductor (2013-2014).
• Andriy Dmytrovych (2013–present). Other positions include: Choirmaster and co-conductor (2004-2011).

Current direction

The musical director of the Canadian Bandurist Capella is Andriy Dmytrovych, who formerly held the position of choirmaster from 2004 to 2011. The current Concertmaster is bandura virtuoso Borys Ostapienko.

Chronology

• 2001 - Established as the "Toronto Bandurist Capella", under the artistic direction of Victor Mishalow
• 2001 - First performance on August 23, 2001 at the Canadian National Exhibition.^[3]
• 2001 - Elected the first board of directors in autumn of 2001.
• 2002 - First independent Christmas Concert in Oshawa, Ontario.^[4]
• 2003 - Incorporated under the name "Toronto Bandurist Capella" on May 27th, 2003.
• 2004 - Changed its trade name to "Canadian Bandurist Capella".
• 2004 - Released its first CD, self-titled "Canadian Bandurist Capella" in June 2004.
• 2006 - First international concert in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
• 2008 - Released its second CD titled "Гpaй Кoбзapю!" ("Play Kobzar!") featuring renown baritone/bass Pavlo Hunka in April 2008.
• 2009 - "Word of Taras" (Слово Тараса) concert tour (St.Catharines, Oshawa, Toronto).
• 2010 - In July 2010, helped re-establish the bandura program of the ODUM Music and Sports camp in London, Ontario.
• 2011 - Performed at the Shevchenko Monument unveiling in Ottawa, Ontario on June 26, 2011.
• 2012 - Glory to our Heroes (UPA) concerts (Toronto, Oshawa).
• 2013 - Yurij Petlura assumes the role of temporary Artistic Director in May 2013.
• 2013 - Andriy Dmytrovych appointed as Artistic Director in autumn 2013.
• 2014 - Performed at the "Gala Concert commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko" at Koerner Hall, Toronto, Ontario.
• 2014 - Performed at the "Canada and Ukraine Together" Benefit Concert at Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.
• 2015 - Released its third CD (First Live performance CD) "In Memory of Those Who Lost Their Lives on the Maidan" in January 2015".

Sources

• 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
• "Canadian Bandurist Capella: About Us". Retrieved 15 December 2015.
• "Canadian Bandurist Capella: Historical Highlights". Retrieved 15 December 2015.
• "Canadian Bandurist Capella: Upcoming Events". Retrieved 15 December 2015.
• "Canadian Bandurist Capella: Recording". Retrieved 15 December 2015.
• "Yevshan: Benefit Concert Live Performance 2014". Retrieved 15 December 2015.

References

1. "Canadian Bandurist Capella: About Us". Retrieved 21 January 2016.
2. Wawryshyn, Michael (2010-01-28). "Canadian Bandurist Capella Concert of Cossack Songs". New Pathway. Retrieved 2016-02-02.
3. "Canadian Bandurist Capella: Historical Highlights". Retrieved 21 January 2016.
4. "Canadian Bandurist Capella: Historical Highlights". Retrieved 21 January 2016.

External links

• Official Website
• Youtube channel