Enjoy a day of Ukrainian heritage celebration!

Events & Schedule

Trypilian Culture: Ukrainian Family Activity Zone
11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Rotunda, Level 1
Hands-on activities for kids! Have fun creating replicas of Trypilian artifacts with quick drying clay or plasticine to take home

Ukrainian Performances
2:00 pm, Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery, Level 1

Featuring live music and dance performances by:
Canadian Bandurist Capella
Stefura Dancers
Barvinok Dancers
* Read more about each performance below.

Curator Lecture
3:30 pm, Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre, Level B1
Dr. Krzysztof Ciuk: The man behind the Mysteries of Ancient Ukraine: The Remarkable Trypilian Culture (5400-2700 BC) exhibition.

Contemporary Ukrainian Artifacts
On Display this weekend only!
10:00 am - 5:30 pm, Chen Court, Level 1

Ukrainian Themed Menus
11:30 am to 2:30 pm, c5 Restaurant Lounge, Level 5
11:00 am to 4:30 pm, Food Studio, Level 1B

Local Ukrainian Artists in attendance to meet & talk to public
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, ROM Museum Store, Level 1

Ukrainian Performers

Canadian Bandurist Capella
This choral group combines the sound of a male chorus with the unique orchestral accompaniment of the multi-stringed Ukrainian bandura. The bandura has the sound somewhat reminiscent of a harp played in combination with a harpsichord. The concert bandura has (some) 65 strings tuned chromatically through a range of five octaves. The Capella’s bandura players are some of the finest in North America and most learned to play the instrument from a very early age and were taught by Victor Mishalow.

Victor Mishalow, Artistic Director
Merited Artist of Ukraine. Renowned bandura virtuoso with numerous publications & recordings to his credit.

Andriy Dmytrovych, Choirmaster
Former Artistic Director of the Kishinev Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir. An accomplished bandura player in his own right.

Yurij Petlura, Concertmaster
A young bandura virtuoso and has already launched his first Compact disc of solo recordings.

Stefura Dancers
Dance of the Light World Premiere - This interpretive dance inspired by the artifacts of the Trypillian culture will be performed by the Arkan Dance Company. The Arkan Dance Company was formed as the semi-professional performing company of The Ukrainian Academy of Dance, which has trained over one thousand dancers since its founding by Danovia Stechishin in 1987.

Hutzul Suite performed by the Arkan Dance Company and The Ukrainian Academy of Dance.

Danovia Stechishin, B.F.A., M.B.A., Choreographer, Artistic Director
Larissa Szachrajuk, B.H.R.M., Assistant Artistic Director

Barvinok Dancers
Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School is recognized globally for its standard of excellence in the arts, particularly traditional Ukrainian dance. Representing Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian community in general, Barvinok has had a significant impact and influence on the greater dance community, touring as a cultural ambassador representing Canada and Ukraine at international festivals throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.
Under the guidance of their Artistic Director, Fedir Danylak, and his team of assistants, Barvinok has become a premier performing ensemble, sought by concert and festival organizers from around the world. Now in his 12th year, Maestro Danylak, continues his creative magic with each and every dance.

Dances:
Volyn
A vibrant, energetic dance from the northwestern region of Ukraine. The polka, hopping, and spinning couple's steps characteristic of this dance is emphasized by the swish of the women's skirts and the lower portion of the men's jackets.

Buko
From the Bukovynian region of western Ukraine come energetic dances full of lively, stomping feet that demonstrate precision and intricate footwork.

Lemko
The Western Carpathian Mountains brings us a dance where the young men show their agility, suppleness and strength as they try to impress the girls. The girls in turn return the compliment with subtle, graceful movements. The dance finishes with a resounding flourish and unexpected turn of events.

Hopak
A traditional dance displaying the various talents of each of the dancers. Full of leaps and high kicks, a perfect finale to every show. It originated centuries ago with the Ukrainian Kozaks who fought for their beloved country. The present day Hopak is very fast and energetic. It showcases the talents of the dancers: the strength of the males and the grace and beauty of the females. You will be able to see as many as 10 solos. We guarantee to have you clapping and rising to your feet.

Disclaimer: Performances are subject to change or to cancellation with little or no warning. Please call ahead to confirm performance dates and times. Thank you.