A Chance to Visit with Bandurists

When our councelor (podruha) with the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) found out that the touring Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus was going to perform on October 23rd at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Whippany, NJ, she strongly suggested that our UAYA- Passaic group “Hetmany” attend.  It was a little tough for most of us, being that it was a school night, so only four of us actually got to go.

When we first saw the singers and bandurists taking the stage dressed in full Kozak costume, it was like being culturally transported to Ukraine. It was awesome to see all these men, young and old, dressed like Kozaky and singing like “kobzari” while playing the Bandura, Ukraine’s uniquely original national instrument.

The pieces that were strictly instrumental showcased the artistry, the depth and versatility of the bandura as well as the mastery of the bandurists who delicately and confidently commanded their beloved instrument.  These dedicated men play the Poltava-style bandura which is different than the Kharkiv-, Lviv- and Kyiv-style banduras.

Hearing and experiencing this concert “LIVE” rather than listening to a CD was much more rewarding. The program was filled with ballads, lyrical traditional folk songs, love songs and funny songs that always had another meaning behind them. All of us liked the familiar cheerful songs that got your foot tapping. Also included were heroic Kozak battle songs.  

One piece that stood out was “The Battle at Konotop” during which there was a mix of dramatic narration, acting and the intertwining of soloists, the choir and even the additional use of cymbals and a Kozak (Lytavry) kettledrum. We liked the picture painted by this composition, the significant story it told. We understood the powerful and historical meaning it communicated: no matter the odds when Ukraine was under attack, men were called to arms by their Hetmans and gladly went into battle and risked everything to protect their beloved homeland and rid themselves of invading enemies, traitors and oppressors. This is a lesson worth remembering.

All in all, the concert was better than we expected. This inspired us and increased our interests to become involved in our Ukrainian musical heritage, each in our own way.  

Afterwards, we were able to meet the Conductor and Artistic Director of the chorus, Oleh Mahlay, who graciously posed with us along with a few of the Bandurists. This was an event we were happy to attend and we recommend it to young people as a worthwhile experience. 

About the author:  Petro Chudolij, 12, resides in Clifton, NJ, where he attends Woodrow Wilson Middle School. He is a parishioner of the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Church and is an active member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association, Passaic branch.