This Hear 2.0 blog post made me think that, really, the same could be said for Ukrainian (especially zabava) music ...
Ask a gaggle of broadcasters why Christmas music works on the radio and they'll tell you "because it's the Christmas season." And they would be wrong.
... holiday cheer is not unique to the holidays, and if you understand this then you will have a deeper and more meaningful way to market Christmas music ...
Said [Bryan] Singer about the holly jolly tunes of the season:
"They soothe you and make you feel that everything's okay."
Well, on second thought, when referring to Ukrainian music, probably "energize" is more appropriate than "soothe."
But regardless, when you're dancing up a storm, or tapping your toes to beat the band, how can you not feel that everything's ok?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Vancouver audio archives for July 30, 2006
Audio archives for the July 30 broadcast of Nash Holos are now available. (Will advise when Chetverta Khvylia (4th Wave) archives are available.)
On Ukrainian Food Flair, learn more about sorrel and a refreshing, uniquely Ukrainian, summer sorrel soup.
On Travel Tips, Father Bruce has some tips about language when travelling to and in Ukraine.
And of course, there's plenty of Great Ukrainian music!
On Ukrainian Food Flair, learn more about sorrel and a refreshing, uniquely Ukrainian, summer sorrel soup.
On Travel Tips, Father Bruce has some tips about language when travelling to and in Ukraine.
And of course, there's plenty of Great Ukrainian music!
Poltava Book Drive - UPDATE
Many thanks to all those who donated money and books for the Poltava Library Book Drive.
The money raised will be used to help rebuild the Panas Myrnyi Children’s Library in Poltava, and the many books received will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of the Ukrainian children who read them.
Book drive organizer Judy Hrynenko also obtained Canadian lapel pins and Canadian flags to send with the books.
The shipment will be sent out the first of August and should arrive sometime in September 2006.
The money raised will be used to help rebuild the Panas Myrnyi Children’s Library in Poltava, and the many books received will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of the Ukrainian children who read them.
Book drive organizer Judy Hrynenko also obtained Canadian lapel pins and Canadian flags to send with the books.
The shipment will be sent out the first of August and should arrive sometime in September 2006.
light posting
Blogging has been, and will continue to be, light over the summer.
That is largely because of a few mishaps over the past couple of months, as a result of which my hubby and I are becoming known as "The Calamity Couple."
I slammed a car door on my left thumb, a few weeks later fell and injured my right arm and now have a condition called "frozen shoulder," and my hubby fell off the roof of our RV onto gravel, just missing the hitch and a concrete block. We are both thankfully unharmed, although in pain much of the time.
Needless to say, we are both operating at less than peak efficiency. So please bear with me as I struggle to keep this blog going. Hopefully by fall I'll be back up to speed. But for now, I'd like to enjoy the summer while recovering from my traumas.
I'll still be posting occasionally, so do come back and visit! Better still, download a feedreader, which will let *you* know when there's a new posting.
That is largely because of a few mishaps over the past couple of months, as a result of which my hubby and I are becoming known as "The Calamity Couple."
I slammed a car door on my left thumb, a few weeks later fell and injured my right arm and now have a condition called "frozen shoulder," and my hubby fell off the roof of our RV onto gravel, just missing the hitch and a concrete block. We are both thankfully unharmed, although in pain much of the time.
Needless to say, we are both operating at less than peak efficiency. So please bear with me as I struggle to keep this blog going. Hopefully by fall I'll be back up to speed. But for now, I'd like to enjoy the summer while recovering from my traumas.
I'll still be posting occasionally, so do come back and visit! Better still, download a feedreader, which will let *you* know when there's a new posting.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
misrepresenting Mazeppa
It is no great surprise that historical details are being watered down in contemporary presentations of the opera Mazeppa, as illustrated in this report:
Mazeppa - or Mazepa, if you prefer up-to-date spelling - does need to be enlivened if it is to make its full impact. ... Unlike Eugene Onegin (or so theatrical theory is prone to assert) it can no longer be played straight. ... The fine detail of the dispute between Ukrainian separatists and Cossack landowners at the time of Peter the Great - the subject of the Pushkin epic poem that inspired it - is thought to be of no great interest to a modern audience, even with some glorious music as ballast.
Thought by whom? Funny they don't say.
And this dispute between Ukrainian separatists and Cossack landowners? Huh? I thought the "dispute" was the Battle of Poltava, between the Russian emperor Peter and the combined forces of Sweden's king Charles XII and Ukrainian hetman Mazeppa.
Besides, I daresay it's not lack of interest, so much as lack of knowledge. Given most mainstream historical accounts relegate the Ukrainian aspirations of independence as a footnote, it's a tad disingenuous and quite a cop-out to accuse general audiences of lacking interest in the history of the era.
Why it was internationally neglected for so long is in some ways puzzling. Today we can safely say that, for better or worse, its time has come, and that it forms a conspicuous part of the achievement of the very varied composer we now recognise Tchaikovsky to be.
What's more puzzling (at least to me) is why this opera's time has suddenly come ... at this particular point in time.
Mazeppa - or Mazepa, if you prefer up-to-date spelling - does need to be enlivened if it is to make its full impact. ... Unlike Eugene Onegin (or so theatrical theory is prone to assert) it can no longer be played straight. ... The fine detail of the dispute between Ukrainian separatists and Cossack landowners at the time of Peter the Great - the subject of the Pushkin epic poem that inspired it - is thought to be of no great interest to a modern audience, even with some glorious music as ballast.
Thought by whom? Funny they don't say.
And this dispute between Ukrainian separatists and Cossack landowners? Huh? I thought the "dispute" was the Battle of Poltava, between the Russian emperor Peter and the combined forces of Sweden's king Charles XII and Ukrainian hetman Mazeppa.
Besides, I daresay it's not lack of interest, so much as lack of knowledge. Given most mainstream historical accounts relegate the Ukrainian aspirations of independence as a footnote, it's a tad disingenuous and quite a cop-out to accuse general audiences of lacking interest in the history of the era.
Why it was internationally neglected for so long is in some ways puzzling. Today we can safely say that, for better or worse, its time has come, and that it forms a conspicuous part of the achievement of the very varied composer we now recognise Tchaikovsky to be.
What's more puzzling (at least to me) is why this opera's time has suddenly come ... at this particular point in time.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Vancouver audio archives for July 23, 2006
Archives for Nash Holos and Chetverta Khvylia July 23 broadcasts are now uploaded!
On Ukrainian Food Flair, Sylvia Pidraziuk Molnar will tell you all about carrots. On Travel Tips, filling in for Myrna Arychuk of Solaway Travel is Fr. Bruce Power with some pointers on what to expect on a trip to Ukraine. As usual, items of interest to the Ukrainian community in the Lower Mainland ... and of course, plenty of Great Ukrainian Music!
On Chetverta Khvylia, join host Pavlo Manugevych for news, views, and music from Ukraine ... exclusively in Ukrainian.
On Ukrainian Food Flair, Sylvia Pidraziuk Molnar will tell you all about carrots. On Travel Tips, filling in for Myrna Arychuk of Solaway Travel is Fr. Bruce Power with some pointers on what to expect on a trip to Ukraine. As usual, items of interest to the Ukrainian community in the Lower Mainland ... and of course, plenty of Great Ukrainian Music!
On Chetverta Khvylia, join host Pavlo Manugevych for news, views, and music from Ukraine ... exclusively in Ukrainian.
Polka marathon - not for young wimps
Delightful story about polka veterans congregating in Radway, AB for 10 hours of non-stop dancing at a recent polka marathon.
Polkafests, which have existed for as long as accordions have squeezed out melodies, are still alive and well, said Robert Tomkins, host of CFCW's Zabava program, a show devoted to Ukrainian music.
... Multiple bands play virtually continuous music in a community dance hall over at least two days for an audience dominated by seemingly tireless seniors. Sometimes, as in Radway, out-of-towners park their motorhomes right beside the dance hall, allowing for quick dress changes and a sense of community. ...
Many in Radway said they plan their calendar around polkafests scheduled in towns around Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. Some travel as far away as Wisconsin, Ohio and North Dakota for a good polka.
Polkafests, which have existed for as long as accordions have squeezed out melodies, are still alive and well, said Robert Tomkins, host of CFCW's Zabava program, a show devoted to Ukrainian music.
... Multiple bands play virtually continuous music in a community dance hall over at least two days for an audience dominated by seemingly tireless seniors. Sometimes, as in Radway, out-of-towners park their motorhomes right beside the dance hall, allowing for quick dress changes and a sense of community. ...
Many in Radway said they plan their calendar around polkafests scheduled in towns around Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. Some travel as far away as Wisconsin, Ohio and North Dakota for a good polka.
This year was the town's fourth annual polkafest. Every year it gets bigger. Nearly 90 per cent of the 300 people ... came from out of town. ...
"The polkafest puts us on the map," Radway Agricultural Society president Maurice Kruk said. "Plus, with technological advancements, IPods and the like, it's nice to get back to our roots and pay attention to the old-time theme."
Now, these old guys and gals obviously know how to have fun... and without trashing the premises like some younger folk do.New CD by John Stetch
Jazz pianist John Stetch has a new CD out called 'Bruxin'' (Justin Time Records) and there's a brief review of it here.
A Canadian by birth ... Stetch paid tribute to his Ukrainian roots with 'Ukrainianism' in 2002 and a solo piano recording of the Thelonious Monk canon with 'Exponetially Monk' in 2004.
Now based in Ithaca, N.Y., Stetch returns to a trio format with Rodney Green on drums and the thoughtful Sean Smith on bass. ... Stetch, who composed these 11 tunes, creates a cliche-free zone in which surprise and adventure rule. He's almost too creative for his own good, although 'The Girl In The Hemp Shirt' is as winsome a jazz tune as you're likely to encounter."
The review says that Stetch is "a cat worthy of wider recognition." Based on the music of his that I have heard, courtesy the personal collection of a friend and former co-host, I'd certainly agree.
And Nash Holos would be more than happy to help widen his recognition, once a promo copy of the CD arrives.
A Canadian by birth ... Stetch paid tribute to his Ukrainian roots with 'Ukrainianism' in 2002 and a solo piano recording of the Thelonious Monk canon with 'Exponetially Monk' in 2004.
Now based in Ithaca, N.Y., Stetch returns to a trio format with Rodney Green on drums and the thoughtful Sean Smith on bass. ... Stetch, who composed these 11 tunes, creates a cliche-free zone in which surprise and adventure rule. He's almost too creative for his own good, although 'The Girl In The Hemp Shirt' is as winsome a jazz tune as you're likely to encounter."
The review says that Stetch is "a cat worthy of wider recognition." Based on the music of his that I have heard, courtesy the personal collection of a friend and former co-host, I'd certainly agree.
And Nash Holos would be more than happy to help widen his recognition, once a promo copy of the CD arrives.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Vancouver audio archives for July 16, 2006
Archives for Nash Holos and Chetverta Khvylia July 16 broadcasts are now uploaded!
On Ukrainian Food Flair, Sylvia Pidraziuk Molnar will tell you all about that favourite fungus of Ukrainians and a delicious and easy recipe for pickled mushrooms.
On Travel Tips for Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Myrna Arychuk of Solaway Travel has turned the mic over to Fr. Bruce Power of Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Surrey while she leads her summer tours to Ukraine. We chatted about how and why he got this delightful job, and he shares his first travel tip -- why travellers should consider Ukraine an ideal holiday destination.
As usual, the Proverb of the Week and other items of interest to the Ukrainian community in the Lower Mainland ... and beyond.
And of course, plenty of Great Ukrainian Music from all corners of the globe!
On Ukrainian Food Flair, Sylvia Pidraziuk Molnar will tell you all about that favourite fungus of Ukrainians and a delicious and easy recipe for pickled mushrooms.
On Travel Tips for Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Myrna Arychuk of Solaway Travel has turned the mic over to Fr. Bruce Power of Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Surrey while she leads her summer tours to Ukraine. We chatted about how and why he got this delightful job, and he shares his first travel tip -- why travellers should consider Ukraine an ideal holiday destination.
As usual, the Proverb of the Week and other items of interest to the Ukrainian community in the Lower Mainland ... and beyond.
And of course, plenty of Great Ukrainian Music from all corners of the globe!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Music group Volyn stranded in Canada - update
It appears that after finding themselves stranded at Toronto airport instead of being whisked off on a cross-Canada tour as promised, the Volyn Ukrainian Song and Dance Company has been making the best of a bad situation... according to this article, and an email message I recently received from Orest Dorosh, Creative Director at Vistacom Media & Graphics in Mississauga:
[I] Went to see Volyn on Thursday night in Toronto and they did not disappoint. Packed house of about 700 paying patrons. ... Wonderful people with a great attitude, all things considered.
What troopers! I so envy the lucky folks who got to see them.
Orest took several hundred photos Thursday night and promised to send me some as soon as he sorts through them. I'll post them here when they arrive.
He's also sending me the newest Volyn CD, and hopefully also Halyna Ovsychuk's CD, if it's available. Halyna is one of the lead singers from the group and has produced her own CD.
I can't wait to play them on Nash Holos ... the one I have is almost worn out! ;-)
If you'd like your own copy, please contact Orest at Vistacom 416.880.3017.
[I] Went to see Volyn on Thursday night in Toronto and they did not disappoint. Packed house of about 700 paying patrons. ... Wonderful people with a great attitude, all things considered.
What troopers! I so envy the lucky folks who got to see them.
Orest took several hundred photos Thursday night and promised to send me some as soon as he sorts through them. I'll post them here when they arrive.
He's also sending me the newest Volyn CD, and hopefully also Halyna Ovsychuk's CD, if it's available. Halyna is one of the lead singers from the group and has produced her own CD.
I can't wait to play them on Nash Holos ... the one I have is almost worn out! ;-)
If you'd like your own copy, please contact Orest at Vistacom 416.880.3017.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
meeting the Premier of BC
OK, another bit of shameless self-promotion for Kobzar's Children!
This afternoon I had the opportunity to present a copy to the Premier of BC! There's a photo of me with him and some details at the Kobzar's Children blog.
This afternoon I had the opportunity to present a copy to the Premier of BC! There's a photo of me with him and some details at the Kobzar's Children blog.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Here we go again...
I find it hard to imagine a situation where journalists would have to appeal to a political party to behave like intelligent people rather than mindless thugs.
Yet Ukrainian journalists recently did just that, issuing an open letter of appeal to Ukraine's Party of Regions.
On July 12, at around 12 PM, a group of supporters of the Party of Regions, together with the deputy Oleg Kalashnikov, attacked Marharyta Sytnyk, a journalist from the TV station STB, and Volodymyr Novosad, the operator.
What does it take to get the foreigners to leave Ukraine, and rid the country of homegrown Benedict Arnolds?
What brave souls those journalists are. If this keeps up, I imagine Ukraine's ranking for media freedom will drop back again in the next survey.
Yet Ukrainian journalists recently did just that, issuing an open letter of appeal to Ukraine's Party of Regions.
On July 12, at around 12 PM, a group of supporters of the Party of Regions, together with the deputy Oleg Kalashnikov, attacked Marharyta Sytnyk, a journalist from the TV station STB, and Volodymyr Novosad, the operator.
What does it take to get the foreigners to leave Ukraine, and rid the country of homegrown Benedict Arnolds?
What brave souls those journalists are. If this keeps up, I imagine Ukraine's ranking for media freedom will drop back again in the next survey.
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