The Bandura
The bandura, also known as the kobza-bandura, is a traditional musical instrument that continues to preserve the cultural heritage of Ukraine. Originally a solo instrument, it was used to accompany the singing of historical songs (bilyny) and epic ballads (dumy) by traveling kobzars. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the bandura evolved from the smaller kobza instrument into a 60-stringed, non-fretted instrument the sound of which is best described as a combination of harp and zither.
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The latter half of the 20th century saw an expansion of the bandura with the resettlement of Ukrainians in the United States and Canada after World War II. The bandura became a symbol of Ukrainian culture and identity for many immigrants and their communities. The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, led by Hryhory Kytasty, was one such group to pioneer bandura instruction in Ukrainian diasporic communities across North America. Members of the ensemble took part in the creation of bandura ensembles and summer camps.
Bandura photos curtesy of Ivan Dusanowskyj
Summer Camps
Additional bandura education that continues into the summer months!
Bandura at Bobriwka
Nestled in the whimsical woods of Connecticut, Bandura at Bobriwka is a week-long workshop geared towards younger students ages 7-15. A final concert at the end of the week showcases the enormous progress the students have made in their time at Bobriwka.
For more information, please email Irene Kytasty-Kuzma at ikykuzma@gmail.com or visit bobriwka.org.
Kobzarska Sich
Established by Hryhory Kytasty in 1979, Kobzarska Sich offers a variety of programs during the two-week long camp held in Emlenton, Pennsylvania each year at the beginning of August. In the deep woods next to the beautiful Allegheny River, students can take part in a two-week long bandura intensive, choral workshop, week-long junior bandura workshop for younger participants, and more!
For more information, please email admin@banduracamp.org or banduracamp.org
Litnia Zustrich
Less than a two-hour drive from the busy city of Toronto, this week-long bandura camp is held in scenic Hawkestone, Ontario, right next to Lake Simcoe. Led by Oksana Zelinska-Shevchuk, students and instructors come together to enjoy a productive and fun week of music-making in mid-August, with a final concert at the end of the program.
For more information, please email oksanazelinska@rogers.com or visit facebook.com/LitniaZustrich