[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2330-E2331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN HONOR OF THE UKRAINIAN BANDURIST CHORUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ukrainian 
Bandurist Chorus on their 50th Anniversary in America. The Ukrainian 
Bandurist Chorus is an all-male musical ensemble consisting of 20 
instrumentalists and vocalists. The chorus was originally founded in 
Kyiv, Ukraine in 1918. The ensemble relocated in Detroit, Michigan in 
1949. This internationally recognized ensemble has performed at such 
well-known theaters as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Bolshoi 
Theater, and Massey Hall. In addition, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus 
has entertained many world figures and personalities with their 
exciting programs of folk songs, religious works and the exotic sounds 
of the bandura.
  Three generations of members have passed through the ranks of the 
Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus since its displacement from Ukraine in 1942. 
In addition to its mission of carrying the tradition of the bandura to 
the 21st century, the Chorus is also charged with preserving its past 
for future generations. The history of the Ukraine Bandurist Chorus can 
be traced directly to the 12th Archeological Congress in Kharkiv, 
Ukraine in 1902. The first professional bandurist chorus was formed in 
Kyiv in 1918 during the height of the country's brief period of 
independence. During a time of increased popularity and resurgence of 
the Ukrainian arts and culture, the group developed into a professional 
touring group. Following this time of heightened regard, the Chorus' 
history evolved into a turbulent one. The bandurist ideal of God, 
truth, freedom, and human dignity herald through song were under attack 
by the newly formed Soviet Union. As a result many of the original 
members of the Ukrainian bandurist Chorus were executed. After years of 
persecution and exploitation the Chorus was forced to immigrate to 
Detroit. During a time of devastation and uncertainty, Hryhory Kytasty, 
the long standing director acted as a role model and inspiration to the 
young bandurists. Kytasty worked hard

[[Page E2331]]

to further the art of the bandura in the free world.
  Today, the majority of the Chorus members are 2nd and 3rd generation 
Americans and Canadians. Fortified by a whole new generation of young 
musicians, the Chorus has captivated audiences in major concert halls 
in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia for more than 50 
years. The current director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is Oleh 
Mahlay, a recognized prized musician and a member of the chorus since 
1987. Mahlay, who hails from Cleveland, Ohio, received a bachelor of 
arts in music history and literature from Case Western University. He 
also studied voice and piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music. 
Mahlay has received numerous accolades for his musical abilities and 
contributions such as the Kennedy Prize for Creative Achievement in 
Music from Carnegie Mellon University. He has participated in the 
Chorus' two triumphant tours of Ukraine in 1991 and 1994, and had his 
premier as a conductor of the group in 1994.
  It is truly an honor for me to recognize this exceptional group. The 
music of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is as captivating as it is 
moving and visibly heartfelt. The songs of the group are full of 
emotion and stand testimony to the ideals of the bandurist. My 
distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring the very special 
anniversary of the magnificent Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.

                          ____________________