Concerts Celebrate Ukraine and Young Talent

In the spirit of celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day, the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre and St. Demetrius Seniors Residence in Toronto invited Elegy Academy of Arts to entertain its residents.  On July 16, 20 and 24 a group of music students including Chrystyna Fitsalovich, Umida Ergasheva, Yurij and Adrian Kunyckyj, Michael and Anna Minzak under the direction of Oksana Dudar, and in duet with Aria accompanied by violinist Zhanna from Ukraine, gave 3 concerts to an emotional audience.  The group performed a number of traditional Ukrainian songs such as “Dva Kolory”, “Hey tam na Hori”, “Hutsulko Kseniu” and many more.

The organizers were Nadia Dremlukh, Nika Hutor, and Marta Kryvonis.  Danuta Hluch was the energetic MC.  The audience was impressed with the professional conduct of even the youngest performers; Anna (age 3), Adrian (4), Michael (6) and Yurij (7).

The star performance was the duet.  Most notably Aria, who was born in India, fell in love with Ukrainian music and song when she studied in Ukraine.  She learned the Ukrainian language, and even after coming to Toronto she continued to promote and perform traditional Ukrainian song and music.  Aria unites the cultures of India and Ukraine in song and the magic of music. In 2005, she joined Elegy Academy of Arts and created the duet with Oksana Dudar, performing at the Ukrainian Independence Day concert in Centennial Park and the “Golden Maple” Music Festival in the Toronto Area.

Oksana Dudar is a well recognized performer, appearing at a number of concerts and festivals in Toronto.  She has produced 2 CDs which were officially released in 2000 at the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival.  Since that time, she has opened a music school named Elegy Academy of Arts where she teaches piano and vocal music.  Elegy students, even the youngest, have participated in “Golden Maple”, “Ukrainian Talents” organized by Zakerzonia, as well as the Ukrainian Music Festival in Toronto. Anyone wishing to support the school or enroll themselves, their children or grandchildren for instruction is welcome and may call 416-880-3881.  These young performers are our bright stars of the future!