Saskatoon choir hosting workshop on Ivano Kupalo music

February 4, 2009 -- Голоси несудть надію! Голоси вселяють віру!

- Photo by Thomas Giroux

Now in its fourth year of existence, the choir “Holosy” has taken to heart the words of its theme song. Hope, faith, and the sheer joy of singing continue to inspire the choir.

Established as a non-denominational community choir, the group has added substantially over the past year to its repertoire of folk songs and contemporary Ukrainian music. Over the Christmas season we were able to share some of that music with the community at large through our third performance at the Festival of Trees, back in its original location at the Western Development Museum.

The choir also sang at the Ilarion Residence and at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, where residents were so pleased with our visit that they have asked us to come more regularly -- perhaps even to hold some of our weekly rehearsals there. So plans are afoot to “take our show on the road.”

We also continue to benefit from the workshop held in 2007 on “shchedrivky.” Research for that workshop unearthed a wealth of new repertoire, some of which the choir has already learned and performed, some of which will enrich our performances in years to come.

- Photo by Thomas Giroux

Inspired by the success of that workshop, and the benefits it has brought to the choir, we invite one and all to participate in our second workshop, this time focusing on the music of Ivano Kupalo.

The workshop will take place over two successive Monday evenings, March 30 and April 6. Cost to non-choir members will be $20 for an individual session, and $30 for the two sessions combined.

Location has yet to be determined, but anyone interested in participating should call Audrey Bayduza at 373-8905, or e mail bayduza [AT] sasktel [DOT] net.

Come join us and get a head start on summer.