Sunday, November 2nd at 3:00 p.m. in Koerner Hall, bass-baritone Pavlo Hunka launches the world premiere of Galicians I: The Art Songs, the latest recording in the Ukrainian Art Song Project (UASP). Hunka will be joined in performance by renowned Canadian opera singers Russell Braun, Krisztina Szabó, and Monica Whicher. They will be accompanied by pianist Albert Krywolt and featured artist, violinist Marie Bérard. The concert will feature the world premiere performance of selected art songs by four of Ukraine’s Galician composers.
Produced by composer and opera director Roman Hurko, Galicians I: The Art Songs is the first of three volumes of art songs by Galician composers. Included in the latest recordings are the works of: Denys Sichynsky (late-romantic), Stanyslav Liudkevych (post-romantic), Vasyl Barvinsky (impressionist), and Ukraine’s first female composer Stefania Turkewich (modernist). When completed, the entire three-volume collection will include the works of 12 composers.
One must congratulate Pavlo Hunka, the artistic director, and Hurko for their personal commitment to this project at a difficult time for the Ukraine and for bringing little known art songs to a broader audience.
Tickets for The Galicians I: The Art Songs range from $40 – $80. They can be purchased in person at Koerner Hall Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West; online at www.performance.rcmusic.ca; or by calling 416-408-0208.
The Ukrainian Art Song Project is a project of the Canadian Ukrainian Opera Association. For more information gowww.ukrainianartsong.ca to: www.ukrainianartsong.ca.
