UNITED UKRAINE – UNITED WITH US

Performers’ Biographies

• Korinya Ukrainian Folk Band
  Korinya (which means "roots" in English), started out as a family band, and is now a flourishing musical group from the Ukrainian diaspora that has been performing in the U.S. and Canada since 2005. Since then, Korinya has performed several times in Ukraine, and in 2012 earned the title of National Artists of Ukraine by winning 1st place at the Boyko Festival. In 2016 they released their studio recording “Zemlya” on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms, and since have reached almost 10,000 listeners from around the world. This young band presents Ukrainian folk music in a fresh, grassroots way. Hear the voices of the steppes, the cheerful melody of the sopilka, and the strong, soulful fiddle playing that tie this young band to their Ukrainian roots. Members include Alina Kuzma (vocals), Sana Shepko (violin), Zoya Shepko (accordion), Maria Pleshkevich (percussion), Stefan Shepko (sopilka), and Nick Hladio (bass). Visit and Like Korinya on Facebook. Listen to their music and view photos here: http://korinya.yolasite.com/About.php.
  
  
  
  

   

   

• Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Jenkintown,PA).
  Voloshky has earned international renown for the vigor and resplendence of its performances. The Voloshky style is bold, powerful, and one of sparkling athleticism. The Ensemble generates a dynamic blend of art and energy characterizing the vitality of the Ukrainian people. Voloshky's artistry and portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped in rich history.  www.voloshky.com.
  
  
  
  Photo courtesy of Christine Syzonenko
  

• The Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Whippany, NJ) was formed in 2011 by professional dancer, teacher and choreographer Andrij Cybyk.  After spending 8 years growing the Iskra Ukrainian Dance Academy in Whippany, NJ, Mr. Cybyk decided it was time to create a semi-professional ensemble to give his students something to strive for.  The Iskra Ensemble is comprised of 20 Professional and pre-professional dancers hand-picked by Mr. Cybyk to express his unique style of Ukrainian dance.  To date, the Ensemble has amazed audiences at many local New York and New Jersey festivals, as well as the “Wild West Ukie Fest” in Phoenix, Arizona. Visit and like Iskra on Facebook and watch them on YouTube.
  
  
  
  Photo courtesy of Christine Syzonenko
  

• Violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo (Lviv, Ukraine) starting at the age of six, Innesa has studied violin with some of Europe’s greatest masters. She has fused the beauty, power and soul of traditional Ukrainian folk music with the classical string instrument - the violin. Her fresh, inventive style has gained critical acclaim from both classical and traditional music critics. Innesa has toured throughout Europe and North America. www.innesa.com.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Photo courtesy of Christine Syzonenko
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Vox Ethnika BAND (New York City) Its unique compositional approach to music has received wide recognition in the USA, Canada and Europe; its style of transforming East European folk music is influential. Vox Ethnika is the only band that performs all manner of Eastern European Folk and Pop music (Ukrainian, Lemko, Rusyn,  Czech, Slovak, and Polish, Rusyn, Ukrainian) set to unique modern arrangements. It also carries a wide, varied and rich repertoire of American and British music – from the twenties to contemporary top hits. Visit and like Vox Ethnika on Facebook and watch them on YouTube.
  
  
  
  Photo courtesy of Christine Syzonenko
  
  
  
  
• Live Reenactments from Ukrainian History, by Banner of Jasna Gora and the Kuban Kozak Society