JUNE 4-5, 2016 CALGARY UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL programme guide CALGARYUKRAINIANFESTIVAL.CA ВІТАЄМО-WELCOME! SPONSORED BY: CALGARY UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL 2016! On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Ukrainian Festival Foundation I would like to welcome you to the SEVENTH Annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival, “Lucky” number 7. There are so many meanings behind “7” across cultures, science, religions and our universe. 7 days in a week, 7 ancient wonders of the world, the 7 days of creation in Christianity, 7 colours in a rainbow, the 7 Heavens in Islam, 7 stars in the Big Dipper, the 7 branch Menorah in Judaism, opposing dice faces equal 7, the 7 Pleiades in Greek mythology, the 7th day in the Chinese New Year is called everyone’s birthday. The list is longer than most may think when it comes to the famous number 7. For many Ukrainians and other cultures that still follow the Julian Calendar, January “7” is Christmas Day! When Ukrainian immigration to Canada began 125 years ago many immigrants continued to celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Gregorian Calendar was already in use in the Western world which celebrates Christmas on December 25th. Did you know that is why it became popularly known as “Ukrainian Christmas” in the West? Why not celebrate it twice! Today we are here to celebrate all the beautiful customs and traditions that were brought to Canada over 125 years ago. We honour the memory of those who came in the search of a better life for their families by preserving all we have been taught. We never forget their hard work by continuing to share all that we practice as tradition. For many new to Canada from Ukraine in more recent years, it is an opportunity to re-connect with traditions that may have been forgotten through mass emigration 125 years ago. But it is also an opportunity to celebrate the new traditions of the next generation passed on from across the ocean! It is my pleasure to introduce to you our Board of Directors for 2016. Together we work to present every aspect of our Festival that is showcased before you. They are: Lysia Smandych – Vice Chairman & Stage Program Artistic Director Mike Ilnycky – HR Director & Fundraising Director Jordan Biss – Marketing & Promotions Director Austin Weleschuk – Venue & Vendor Coordinator Bohdan Tyrawski – Controller Wendy Wasylciw – Secretary Karen Uhryn – Operations Director We hope you enjoy your visit with us. Our house is your house. tpиmaЙcя – all the best CHRIS GNYRA Chairman, Board of Directors Calgary Ukrainian Festival A MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN P. J. TRUDEAU I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the seventh annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival. This popular event offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich traditions of Ukraine by sampling delicious food, viewing interesting cultural exhibits and enjoying colourful music and dancing. Canada is home to a multitude of cultures that live, work and thrive together. The Calgary Ukrainian Festival offers Canadians of all backgrounds the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the history of Ukrainian Canadians and their many contributions to our multicultural fabric. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable weekend of activities. Sincerely, THE RT. HON. JUSTIN P. J. TRUDEAU P.C., M.P. A MESSAGE FROM HONOURABLE RACHEL NOTLEY On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Calgary Ukrainian Festival. The arrival of the first Ukrainian settlers more than a century ago left an indelible mark on Alberta. From language and literature to music and dance — and of course, delicious cuisine — Ukrainian culture has long been enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and remains a great source of pride for our province. We are fortunate to have cultures from around the world whose traditions enhance our lives and whose wisdom enriches our future — Ukrainian culture and wisdom is no exception.Thank you to the organizers and volunteers of this important event. Through your hard work and enthusiasm, you are helping keep Ukrainian culture alive and thriving. Sincerely, RACHEL NOTLEY Premier of Alberta, June 2016 A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR NAHEED NENSHI On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the citizens of Calgary, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 7th Annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival. Each year, the Calgary Ukrainian Festival celebrates the vibrant Ukrainian heritage in our city. From art exhibits to entertainment to cuisine, this festival provides an opportunity for Calgary’s thriving Ukrainian community to showcase their culture with pride. I would like to recognize the organizers and volunteers for their hard work in organizing this event, and for their continued dedication to sharing the rich and unique Ukrainian heritage with Calgary. I hope you all have a wonderful time at this year’s Festival! Sincerely, NAHEED K. NENSHI CULTURE - КУЛЬТУРА REMEMBERING NOELLA OSTACH WITH LOVE AND JOY OSTASH, NOELLA JOY EVE December 24, 1963 to November 1, 2015 Noella Joy Eve Ostash began taking dance and instrument lessons at a very early age. Her parents were instrumental in guiding her in her numerous Ukrainian cultural activities across Alberta throughout her childhood. She competed all throughout Alberta in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s and held the title for top tsymbalist (hammer dulcimer player) and accordionist for her age level for several years. During junior high school and senior high school, Noella sang and danced with CYM (the Ukrainian Youth Association), playing the accordion and tsymbaly (hammer dulcimer). She danced with the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble as well as one of the earliest dance groups in Calgary, Yalenka. She also took bandura lessons. She participated in vocal, music and dance competitions at various festivals both as a soloist and in groups. During high school, Noella started a dance band called Luna with Kathy and George Sadiwnyk and Dave Ozimko. In the mid ‘80s, Noella sang in the Suzirya choir through CYM and danced in the Suzirya instrument if she had to tune a few years, and we travelled to ensemble. She also danced in a the whole thing (and if it was the Washington DC and Los Angeles group in Edmonton and travelled to big one). I would wake up to the with that group. Australia with the Iskra Ensemble. sound of that and go, ’Here we go Noella sang in a women’s folk again!’ She would always practice She always taught me my ensemble, the Rusalky Singers, her accordion at home before a Ukrainian dancing solos, and duets with her childhood friends. They show. Sometimes for hours if for with Lena, for many, many years performed in concerts and festivals some reason she wasn’t getting beginning at age 8. She was an throughout Canada, and even after excellent and patient teacher!” having children they continued to Noella leaves a legacy of Ukrainian sing together for special events. music, dance and culture to In the ‘90s, she joined the her credit. Her overwhelming Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Choir and generosity in giving of her time Ensemble, playing her accordion and talent is recognized in the and the tsymbaly as well as memories she leaves behind of singing. She also participated in the the many events and festivals Calgary Accordion Association and she contributed to, and that her Jarosh Accordion Ensemble for students now carry on. many years. This booth/venue is an Noella was an original member embodiment of what Noella is of the dance band Absolute, which and would like to have seen at she founded in 1997 with her good the Calgary Ukrainian Festival: friends George Sadiwnyk, Darren a place where people young Moroz and Ron Josephs. Absolute and old can experience playing has performed at many Ukrainian Ukrainian instruments in the hopes events across western Canada that the music will continue to and will celebrate its 20th be passed on from generation to anniversary next year. generation. We remember Noella with love and joy, and we are Noella’s daughter Kassandra it quite right. She helped me with grateful for her many contributions (Kasia) has very fond and vivid my accordion practicing, and to the Ukrainian music and culture memories of her involvement with often made me practice it when I here in Calgary, Alberta. music and dance in Calgary: “I was getting lazy. She also taught remember the weekends spent me how to play the tsymbaly. I tuning the tsymbaly...I think she remember playing with her in the got it down to three hours per Jarosh Accordion Ensemble for CULTURE - КУЛЬТУРА OUR UKRAINIAN FOLK INSTRUMENTS Few countries in the world possess have up to 68 strings. From the a folk music as rich and culturally 15th to 18th century, Banduras varied as Canada’s. The brave were widely played by Kobzari Ukrainians that traversed the ocean (blind wandering minstrels who in search of a better life contributed sang songs about the exploits of proudly to this musical wealth of Ukrainians) and Cossacks. diversity and history. KOBZA The traditional folk music and (one of the oldest instruments) instruments that Ukrainians brought with them to Canada The Kobza is one of the oldest during the first wave of Ukrainian instruments, and it is immigration, in the early 1900’s, to similar to the guitar, the lute and present day has its roots deeply other plucked musical instruments. steeped in cultural tradition. The body of the instrument is For this reason, the Ukrainian usually made of pear, willow or community use instruments and walnut wood. The Kobza was music as a focal point for the first noted in a 6th century Greek community to collectively celebrate chronicle and described to be the rich cultural traditions of the used by warriors from Ukrainian Ukrainian people and its history.