Partnership with the Ukrainian Museum of Canada

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 6:30 PM (reception), 7:30 PM (performance)

Location: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 816 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H4.

Admission: Admission is by donation. Proceeds will be split between Saskatoon Opera, Ukrainian Museum of Canada, and the United Nations’ Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

Join us at 6:30 PM for a pre-show reception. The recital at 7:30 PM will feature a selection of art songs, a genre of classical vocal music that emphasizes artistic expression and interpretation. These songs, often set to lyrical and poetic texts, showcase the rich heritage of Ukrainian composers and their contributions to the world of classical music.

The program will include compositions from the following Ukrainian composers:

• Mykola Lysenko • Kyrylo Stetsenko • Ostap Nyzhankivsky • Yakiv Stepovy • Myroslav Volynsky • Vasyl Barvinsky • Ihor Shamo • Jaroslav Lopatynsky

Mykola Lysenko is celebrated as one of the most important figures in Ukrainian classical music, known for his choral music, art songs, and operas. His work was instrumental in promoting Ukrainian national identity and culture during a time when Ukraine faced external challenges.

Kyrylo Stetsenko, a prominent composer and conductor, contributed significantly to Ukrainian choral music and liturgical compositions. His compositions are known for their incorporation of Ukrainian folk melodies into the liturgical context.

Ostap Nyzhankivsky, a composer and conductor, drew inspiration from Ukrainian folklore and traditions in his works, further promoting Ukrainian national identity and culture.

Yakiv Stepovy, a poet and writer, played a vital role in the Ukrainian literary revival during a challenging period of Soviet rule, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian language and culture.

Vasyl Barvinsky is known for his contributions to Ukrainian Symbolist poetry, which conveyed deeper meanings and emotions. He was an advocate for Ukrainian independence and cultural revival.

Ihor Shamo, a composer and medical doctor, left a musical legacy that includes the popular song “Kyieve Mii,” regarded as an unofficial anthem of the Ukrainian capital.

Jaroslav Lopatynsky, a doctor by profession, composed over 100 art songs known for their reflection of deep-felt emotions and melodic qualities.

Kateryna Khartova, also known as Katya, is a Ukrainian-born soprano and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan’s Music program who made her orchestral debut as a soprano soloist with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in 2017, performing Larysa Kuzmenko’s Ukrainian oratorio “Golden Harvest.”

Rachel Miller is a versatile multi-disciplinary performer, with accolades such as a prize winner at the 2020 Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition. Based in Toronto, this season she takes on the role of Benita in the horror opera, “Tales of the Grotesque,” with White Mills Theatre Co.

Kathleen Lohrenz Gable’s extensive career in music includes experiences as a recitalist, voice coach, accompanist, and as a musical director and rehearsal pianist for opera productions in Canada and the USA.