The Shevchenko Male Chorus - In A Ukrainian Concert

Side 1 

1. Susidka (Neighbour) Ukrainian folk song  

2. Zakuvala Ta Syva Zozulia (The Call of the Grey Cuckoo) music by Nischynski soloist - John Bokla  

3. Dumky Pro Kanadu i Ukrainu (Thoughts About Canada and Ukraine) words by J. Shymchyshyn music by Vysochinska soloist - William Shymchyshyn  

4. Poyu Koni Pry Dunayu (Watering the Horses by the Danube) Ukrainian folk lyrics music by Liudkevich 

5. Dyvlius Ya Na Nebo (I Gaze at the Heavens) music by Zaremba soloist John Bokla 

6. Verkhovyno, Maty Moya (Highland Mother of Mine) words and music by Mashkin soloist Fred Pesarchuk 

Side 2  

1. Nich Yaka Misiachna (Moonlit Night) Ukrainian folk song arrangement by Samsonenko soloist John Bokla  

2. Reve Ta Stohne Dnipr Shyrokiy (The Mighty Dnieper Roars) Ukrainian folk song words by T. Shevchenko harmony by Kossenko  

3. Vivtsi Moyi Vivtsi (My Sheep) Ukrainian folk lyrics musics by Hrynyshyn soloist Jerry Prociw  

4. U Keyevi Na Podoli (In Kiev in the Podol) words by Voronko music by Shtoharenko  

5. Marichka words by Tkach music by Sabadash soloist Fred Pesarchuk 

 

   

The musics, songs and dances of the Ukrainian people, like their national costumes and handicrafts,need very little introduction to Canadians. They have been heard and seen in our country countless times, ever since Ukrainians first came here almost 75 years ago. They came to a strange country seeking land and an opportunity to improve their lot. Theirs was a difficult those early years. But they came with great endowments - the desire and ability to work and exceptionally rich folk cultural traditions - it wasn't long before they put these to work for the welfare of their families and heir new homeland. They settled the length and breadth of this country. Soon after they formed various community organizations, church groups, cultural and reading societies, in which their rich heritage played an important part. In the first years their cultural activities were carried on in their homes, later in community halls and various churches. Today, Ukrainian concerts and performances are presented in some of our finest theatres, as well as to radio and television audiences. Ukrainian choirs singing Ukrainian folk songs have thrilled musical festivals,during the war in concerts for the soldiers, at Victory Band rallies, etc. To large numbers of Canadians, particularly in Eastern Canada, the Shevchenko Male Chorus needs little introduction. Founded only 12 years ago,this amateur chorus has appeared at some 180 concerts before audiences estimated at over 100 000 people. In addition to appearing at numerous benefit performances for varied cultural organizations, home and school associations, trade unions in the home city of Toronto, it has delighted audiences in Montreal, Fort William, Detroit, Windsor, Sudbury and many other cities. Recentrly it participated in the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Timmins, with great success. In addition to the concert work, the chorus has appeared in the operas Kateryna, Cossack Beyond The Danube, the musical drama Zemlya, and other productions. Of the 200 songs in its repertoire, a large number of them are classical selections written to the words of Taras Shevchenko, the Ukrainian poet, whose name the chorus proudly bears. Included also are songs of the Russian, Chech, Slovak, Polish, Armenian, Azerbaijanian peoples, compositions by renowned classical composers, as well as songs of the English, American, French and Canadian peoples. "The Shvechenko Male Chorus In A Ukrainian Concret" is the chours' first long-playing record. It contains folk, classical, and contemporary selections - all with a popular appeal. Piano Accompaniment - Esther Cronenberg Jacket Design - Jerry Prociw Conducted by Eugene Dolny