Album Notes

SHUMKA'S 1990 UKRAINE TOUR
In the summer of 1990, a reunion took place between Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and the country that sent their ancestors out into the world over one hundred years ago. Under Artistic Director John Pichlyk, these whirlwind dancers performed in some of the most prestigious opera-ballet houses in Ukraine. The Ukraine tour earned artistic and critical acclaim: an intense, exhilarating, emotional experience for dancers and audiences alike. Such a tour had never happened before!

This reunion took place during a summer of historic change in the Soviet Union. It was equally a summer of change for the 64 talented 3rd and 4th generation Canadians. The tour was not only an occasion for pride in the group's Ukrainian heritage; in equally strong degree, it defined for them their Canadian identity. For Shumka, the Canadian flag flying through the air at the end of their Hopak was a symbol of joyous identification with the country to which their ancestors had immigrated in search of peace, dignity and freedom, including, among other liberties, the freedom to dance. The spirit and emotion experienced by the dancers is forever preserved in this recording.

THE MUSIC - FROM THE CONDUCTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
Nowehere is the full expression of Ukrainian culture better captured than in its own music and song. Ukrainian folk music provides a vast and varied repertoire to accompany traditional folk dance. However, as dance groups develop, expand and transcend their traditional boundaries, musical requirements change accordingly. In the early '70s, for example, it became evident that original music elaborated scores with "musical paint" and, occasionally, melodies from other cultures would be essential to support Shumka's dance theatre approach.

My task was to bring about this change with care. Inherent in this new direction was the necessaity for working with symphony orchestras, blending in traditional instruments like the domra and bandura as well as incorporating electronic and synthesized sounds. Through this process, Shumka has contributed to a uniquely Canadian style of Ukrainian music and dance which is now mainstream entertainment.

North American audiences have accepted this development. During our shows in Ukraine, however, the reaction to this unique combination of sounds went beyond mere acceptance. Audiences were fascinated and our touring musicians from the Kyiv State Chamber Orchestra were amazed.

On closing night in Lviv, Ukraine (August 20, 1990) a local dignitary came on stage at the conclusion of a highly charged, emotional Shumka performance, and with tears in his eyes, said, "...in your music we felt the roots of our past and the branches of our future. Your music preserves our beautiful Ukrainian melodies, reminds us of songs we thought were lost, and ignites an inextinguishable flame of hope for the future. One hundred years in Canada have been very well invested.

I am forever grateful for his unforgettable words.

Gene Zwozdesky