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Ostap Stakhiw

Ostap Stakhiw is a renowned Ukrainian bandurist and recipient of the prestigious title People’s Artist of Ukraine, awarded by the Ukrainian government for his exceptional contributions to the development of the performing arts. He began his professional career in 1981 as a soloist with the Lviv Philharmonic and as a member of the “Vatra” vocal-instrumental ensemble. In 1985, he became the leader and soloist of the “Drymba” folk ensemble at the Lviv Philharmonic. Three years later, in 1988, he founded and directed the “Folklore Theatre of Ostap Stakhiw” in Lviv. Since 1989, Mr. Stakhiw has also been a highly respected educator, teaching bandura and vocal performance at the Lviv State Conservatory named after Mykola Lysenko. Between 1988 and 1991, he created and performed a series of original theatrical concert programs, including “Play, My Bandura” and “Hey, You, Riflemen of Sich”. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Ostap Stakhiw has proudly represented Ukraine on international stages across Europe and Asia. In 1992, he was awarded the title Honoured Artist of Ukraine and conducted a major concert tour across the United States and Canada. In 2001, he performed at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, where he won gold and silver medals for vocal performance and bandura artistry. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Stakhiw served as the National Director of the Ukrainian delegation to WCOPA in Los Angeles (Hollywood). In 2011, he was awarded the Jubilee Medal for “20 Years of Independence of Ukraine” in honour of his continued cultural contributions. A pioneer in bridging tradition with modernity, Mr. Stakhiw has spent decades reimagining classic Ukrainian folk melodies. In 2007, he founded an orchestra of modern folk music, known for programs such as “Christmas in Lviv” and “Spirit of Ukraine,” as well as innovative instrumental interpretations of carols and traditional songs. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Stakhiw has been featured in numerous films, video productions and recordings. As an active musical figure, musicologist, and bandurist, Ostap Stakhiw is a jury member of numerous festivals and competitions, and a founder of the non-profit organization BandurArts. 

Ostap Stakhiw Wikipedia Article (Ukrainian) →

Alisa Osavelyuk

Alisa Osavelyuk was born in Ukraine, in the Western City of Ternopil. Alisa started playing bandura at the age of 9 years old. While in Ukraine, she played in a bandura ensemble called “Срібні Струни” (“Silver Strings”). Alisa moved to Canada with her family in 2014. Away from home, she became even more passionate about her beloved instrument. Alisa found a talented teacher, Oksana Zelinska-Shevchuk, in Mississauga and joined the Vira Zelinska Bandura Capella “Золоті Струни” (“Golden Strings”). To improve her singing skills, she added formal vocal training to her weekly routine as well. Alisa has participated in many music festivals, such as the Ukrainian Music Festival and the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto, where she was able to achieve Golden and Platinum awards and win numerous scholarships. Alisa is also a member of the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America. Alisa has promised herself that she will not leave her love for music behind and has kept that promise ever since. So today, she cherishes every moment that she gets to perform on the stage and do what she loves the most!