Mariia Smolinska

Mariia Smolinska (born June 21, 1996) is a talented bandura player from Ukraine who has gained recognition in international competitions and festivals. Born in Odesa, Mariia began playing the bandura at the age of 7. In 2015, she earned her diploma from the Odesa College of Arts and Culture, studying in the class of Olha Kasyanova and giving her first solo concert. In 2019, Mariia obtained her bachelor’s degree from the Odesa Conservatory (A. V. Nezhdanova Odesa National Academy of Music), where she studied under Liudmyla Chernetska. This period was filled with numerous performances and competitions contributing to her artistic development. In 2021, Mariia received her master’s degree in musical art from the Odesa Conservatory.

Mariia’s performances range from meditative melodies and lyrical compositions to energetic and danceable tunes, including tracks from her favourite video games, captivating audiences with emotional depth and vibrancy. With a strong educational background, Mariia combines traditional Ukrainian music with contemporary influences, including jazz and popular covers. She also creates unique arrangements, showcasing the limitless possibilities of the bandura. Mariia actively engages with her audience through her social media project, “The Legend of Bandura,” where she shares her art and encourages a greater appreciation for the bandura. Her passion and creativity make each performance a unique and unforgettable experience.

Featured Artist Interview with Mariia Smolinska →

^{Photo Credit: Lauren Stewart}

DIVKA

DIVKA is comprised of bandurist (esoteric Ukrainian harp) Alina Kuzma and violist (not a violin) Zoë Ëoz. They perform primarily Eastern European folk songs about badass women in all their glory. As a sonic rebel reckoning, DIVKA’s music is charged with mythology and traditional village singing with generations of femme power, mystic whimsy, and a dash of vengeance.

With sharp tongues and a deep passion for ethnomusicology, Alina Kuzma and Zoë Ëoz bring a unique sonic experience using bygone folk songs from global women’s music-making traditions. DIVKA weaves a sonic constellation of delicate arpeggios and guttural ancient invocations. Alina Kuzma, a tradition-refocusing bandurist and vocal forest nymph, brings a rich waterfall of sound with her mastery of the bandura. Her ethereal vocals and skillful plucking transport listeners to a mystical realm where folklore comes alive. Zoë Ëoz, a chaos-nurturing violist and raging woodland sprite, adds a layer of complexity and tension to DIVKA’s sound. Their viola balances wild energy with refined technique, equally alarming and enchanting audiences with her spirited performances.

Birthed in October 2024, DIVKA has burst onto Toronto’s world music scene. In a short time, they have performed in different global genres and collaborated with many renowned local artists and groups, including Leen Hamo, Jaash Singh, Naghmeh Farahmand, Marichka Marczyk and Kosa Choir. Last fall, they launched their single, Harbuz, and toured in Senegal in West Africa.

Featured Artist Interview with DIVKA →

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