Canadian Bandurist Capella

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The Canadian Bandurist Capella 2003

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 as a male vocal ensemble that accompanied itself on the bandura by Victor Mishalow. It had its first performance on January 8, 1992. In 1993 it changed its name to the Toronto Bandurist Capella and became changed over to a mixed gender ensemble. In 2001 it once again became an exclusively male ensemble and 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 up to 21 instrumentalists-bandurists.

The repertoire of the ensemble has grown and become more sophisticated 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 in Toronto, Hamilton, St Catherines, Montreal, Ottawa, Oshawa and is now continuing to expand its activities to other regions of Canada and the United States. It has performed in Manitoba (Winnipeg, Dauphin), Chicago, Soyuzivka, Cleveland, and Yonkers. 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”.

In 2015 the CBC was sued in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Burlington) for copyright violation with a judgement made against the corporation on December 14. (Court file SC-13-00001397-000)

Recordings

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

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

3. The Word of Taras (DVD) 2011

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

Artistic Directors

• Victor Mishalow (1991-2013)
• Yurij Petlura (2013) Temporary. Other positions include: Concertmaster (2009-2013), Assistant conductor (2013-2014).
• Andriy Dmytrovych (2013-present). Other positions include: Choirmaster (2007-2011).

Current direction

The musical director of the Canadian Bandurist Capella is Andriy Dmytrovych, who formerly held the position of choirmaster from 2007 to 2011. The current Concertmaster is bandura virtuoso Borys Ostapienko.

Chronology

• 1991 - established as a male vocal instrumental ensemble with bandura accompaniment.
• 1992 - changed to a mixed gender vocal instrumental ensemble
• 2001 - Changed back into an exclusively male ensemble.
• 2001 - Performance on August 23, 2001 at the Canadian National Exhibition.
• 2001 - Elected the first board of directors in autumn of 2001.
• 2002 - Independent Christmas Concert in Oshawa, Ontario.
• 2003 - Incorporated under the name "Toronto Bandurist Capella".
• 2004 - Changed its stage 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 26th, 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

External links

• Official Website
• Youtube channel