Bandurist: Victor Mishalow

Victor Mishalow was born in Sydney, Australia and began to study bandura in 1970 unde Peter Deriashnyj. In 1974 he studied with Hryhory Bazhul, a former student of Hnat Khotkevych (known as the “father of the modem concert bandura”). In 1978 Mishalow received a grant from the “Australia Arts Council” enabling him to continue his studies in North America with prominent emigre bandurists, including Peter Honchanenko, Peter Kytasty, Hryhory Kytasty, Leonid Haydamaka and Vasyl Yemetz. In 1979. Victor received a scholarship to attend the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Kyiv, where he studied with noted bandurist and professor Serhiy Bashtan. In Ukraine, he also studied with Heorhy Tkachenko, the last remaining bandurist to perform in the authentic kobzar tradition. Victor Mishalow holds a bachelor’s degree in Musicology and Ethnomusicology from the University of Sydney, and a postgraduate diploma in Music Education. He has over 70 articles and publications to his credit.

Performing is an important facet of Mishalow’s work. He has given recitals and has made appearances in North America, Europe and Australia, including solo performances in venues such as Carnage Hall (New York), Massey Hall (Toronto) and the Sydney Opera House. He has also appeared at a Royal Command Performance in the Netherlands. Victor has completed several concert tours in Ukraine, with over 70 solo concert recitals. He has appeared as instrumental soloist with the Tommy Teaco International Orchestra in Sydney, Australia and the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus in Detroit. Mishalow participated in producing the music for 4 documentary films.

One of Victor Mishalow’s most consuming and important task at land is to install to the youth of Ukrainian heritage the love of the Ukrainian culture through form of music, namely the bandura, (the voice and soul of Ukraine). Mishalow, with his technical expertise has attracted over 130 students that have been the playing the bandura in the short time that he has been in Toronto. Mishalow is the founder of the Hryhory Kytasty Bandura Chorus, and along with the Bandura Chorus have received support and acknowledgment from various support agencies: Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Foundation, Prometheus Foundation, Canadian Ukrainian Congress, Ukrainian Canadian School Board, World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, and many others.

It is the dream and aspiration of Mishalow to update. to bring in new and contemporary elements, and to make the music of bandura loved by all music enthusiasts. This new direction is best exemplified in his recent releases of Bandura Magic and Bandura Christmas Magic.

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Atmasfera

АtmAsfera is an extraordinary band that uses different styles by uniting academic music with ethno melodies without any limits in their repertoire. Music of AtmAsfera is born in improvisation.

This band was created in 2003 in Lviv and then in a few years it moved to Kiev. Each concert is an event for them where they completely devote themselves to creation of “atmasfera” of mutual understanding between musicians and audience. Members of the band are always demanding to the quality of sound, arrangement and lyrics of their songs.

The name of the band is made of two words: “atma” – in translation – person, and “sfera” – something that surrounds that person. And in general it means everything that surrounds that person – their internal world, feelings and concerns.

Andriy Shadiy – voice, guitar, mandolin:
AtmAsfera – is the opportunity of creating something that can influence other people’s fates and can change their lives for better. I don’t like this idea of art for the sake of art; music as the expression of soul must be motivated by a strong effort of soul with clear idea, the point is to give away from oneself something, help others, do some self-sacrifice, otherwise what is the difference between art and craft?”

Yulia Yaremchuk – voice, keyboard:
“I would always wanted to create music with would reach audience not only on mental level, but would flow into listener’s hearts of hearts and would give a chance of experiencing something deeper. I would really like that after listening to our music people would become happier.”

Anastasiya Yaremchuk – voice, flute:
“For me Аtmasfera is not simply a word – it is the whole world – internal world. Oftentimes I would immerse myself in the unlimited ocean of stuff, problems and their solutions and I can not even notice the most important. I wish I could stop and look at the life from different perspective. I would like our music to be listened to by heart so that it would help them to stop and find themselves.”

AtmAsfera is well-known to the public thanks to their participation in these festivals: Chervona Ruta, Taras Bulba, Etno Evolution, Nivroku, Different music, Mazepa Fest, Dream land and others as well as from concert all over Ukraine.

The band has presented itself for real after wining Qualifying Heats of International festival The Global Battle Of The Bands’06.

According to Ukrainian record ’06– AtmAsfera was announced – Discovery of the Year. (www.uaformat.com).

AtmAsfera presented Ukraine at international festival Przystanek Woodstock (Poland) in 2006-2007 ( www.wosp.org.pl)

Apart from musical concerts, AtmAsfera takes part in theatrical performances and writes music for theatre plays.

AtmAsfera – is an open project that cooperates with charity organizations, theatre studios and takes part in charity concerts and activities.

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