Вінніпеґ Український № 8 (20) (October 2016)

ANNOUNCEMENTS. ОГОЛОШЕННЯ
Together,
One Voice
Melos Folk Ensemble was founded in 2006 in Winnipeg,
Manitoba, bringing together some of Winnipeg’s finest singers,
dancers, and musicians. Through the combination of
male and female voices accompanied by talented dancers
and an 8 person orchestra, Melos brings folk songs, carols,
and dances to life through upbeat rhythms and movements.
ince its inception, Melos has continued
to evolve and attract new members that
S
pride themselves on promoting Ukrainian
culture. Currently, the group is led by
its dedicated team of directors – Mike Zakaluzny
(choral director), Liana Stecky (dance director and
choreographer) and Myron Kurjewicz (musical director)
– who strive to achieve excellence through
hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. Recognizing
that there is a certain fire and spirit rooted in
Ukrainian culture, each member of Melos demonstrates
their passion for their Ukrainian roots on
stage, helping to develop a truly unique product of
sight and sound.
Over the last ten years Melos has performed for
an array of audiences at various special events, including
the opening of Canadian Museum of Human
Rights, Folklorama’s Kyiv Pavilion, and the
Festival of Carols. Melos has recently partnered
with Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at the Centennial
Concert Hall to celebrate 125 years of Ukrainians
in Canada.
Melos is always searching for new opportunities
for collaboration with other folk groups to
strengthen Manitoba’s cultural mosaic and expand
the Ensemble’s performance horizons. In fact,
Melos forged a partnership with Italian Canadian
Foundation of Manitoba and presented its second
edition of “Italian Ukrainian Fusion” that was held
on November 6, 2015 to the delight of community
members and event attendees.
With the belief that music, song, dance and food
can touch the human spirit regardless of one’s
background, Melos is spearheading a multi-cultural
celebration entitled “Together One Voice” that
recognizes Manitoba’s ethno-cultural diversity.
The evening will feature three cultures: Brazilian,
French Canadian and Ukrainian. Food representative
of each culture will be offered and performances
will showcase the talents these cultural
groups have to offer.
“Together One Voice” will feature Brazilian-
Canadian musician and songwriter Marco Castillo.
Together with his musicians, Marco will bring
to the stage his unique style of uplifting Latin
rhythms. The French Canadian group Ca Claque
will also assuredly excite the audience through
its music and dance while Hoosli Ukrainian Male
Chorus will share its repertoire of traditional folk
songs as well as patriotic songs of Ukraine. In addition,
Melos Folk Ensemble will perform a variety
of musical and dance collaborations with the guest
artists. Following the concert there will be a zabava
with music by “Budmo” to close the evening’s festivities.
Going forward, Melos hopes to expand its appeal
and performance energy beyond Manitoba.
Through past and future projects, Melos strives to
foster an environment that encourages high artistic
standards and promotes a common desire to grow
and push the boundaries of performance excellence.
Individuals interested in bringing their singing, instrumental
or dance talents to Melos Folk Ensemble are encouraged
to call 204-479-8232 for audition opportunities.
10 Український Вінніпеґ - ЖОВТЕНЬ 2016 -