Holosy Ukrainian Choir performs traditional and contemporary music in both Ukrainian and English. Amongst others, this delightful set features traditional songs and the stories behind them, songs from such disparate sources as Ukraine’s most revered poet, Taras Shevchenko, and Canada’s own Connie Kaldor.
Founded in 2004, Holosy is a non-denominational community choir dedicated to the preservation of the very rich heritage of the Ukrainian choral tradition, and to the sharing of that heritage with Canadians of all backgrounds. Originally sponsored by the Saskatoon branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and now a full member of that organization, the choir welcomes as members all who enjoy choral singing. Even an ability to read or speak Ukrainian is not necessary, as transliterations of Ukrainian texts can be provided for members. While the primary focus of the choir’s repertoire is traditional folk music, the choir has also ventured into contemporary popular music from Ukraine. We perform regularly around the city, at events such as this one, at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Folkfest, and the annual concert in honour of Taras Shevchenko. In 2014, it undertook a very special project – the recording of a CD of songs all based on the poetry of Taras Shevchenko, and this year will be filming and posting on the Internet five pieces by Volodomyr Ivasiuk, poet, popular songwriter, and human rights activist of the 1970’s. For more information, visit the Holosy website at www.holosy.weebly.com