DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto:

For more than 45 years, Desna has been dazzling audiences throughout Canada, the US and abroad with a wide repertoire of Ukrainian dances. Under the direction of Virsky-trained Yuri & Luba Grekov, Desna presents technically demanding and exhilarating dances accented by exquisite costumes and diverse music. This celebration of movement creates a vibrant spectacle for all audiences to enjoy.

Desna’s repertoire consists of various traditional dances including Hutsul, Bukovynian, Volyn, Kozachok and Hopak. However, it is the group’s strong belief that the key to celebrating and broadening tradition lies in contrasting it with new and different styles of dance. This led to the creation of a series of new dances including the Canadian Country Dance, Gypsy, Spanish Dance, and various comedic numbers.

View some samples of their dynamic artistry on their website galleries:  https://www.desna.ca/photos and https://www.desna.ca/videos

Korinya Ukrainian Folk Band

Korinya ("roots" in English), began as a family band in 2005. It has since developed into a contemporary folk band with a fresh, grassroots sound. Their music brings the village band tradition and Ukrainian musical heritage into the context of modern life in the diaspora, and to music enthusiasts of all walks of life.

The band has toured through Canada, the US and Ukraine, playing at weddings, events and festivals, including the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), the Clearwater's Great Hudson Revival (New York, USA) and the Boyko Festival (Turka, Lviv, Ukraine) where in 2012, Korinya won first place.

See the website for photos and some samples of their music: https://korinyaband.com

Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Jenkintown - Philadelphia, PA)

Voloshky has earned international renown for the vigor and resplendence of its performances. The Voloshky style is bold, powerful, and one of sparkling athleticism. The Ensemble generates a dynamic blend of art and energy characterizing the vitality of the Ukrainian people. Voloshky's artistry and portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped in rich history.  www.voloshky.com.

View two of their fantastic promo videos: THE LARK DANCE by Voloshky - Voloshky Sampler Promo - Ukrainian Gypsy Danace and review some of our Galleries from prior festivals: https://tryzub.org/

Photo courtesy of Christine Syzonenko

Vox Ethnika Orchestra (New York City)

Their uniquely compositional approach to music has received wide recognition in the USA, Canada and Europe; its style of transforming East European folk music is influential. Vox Ethnika is the only band that performs all manner of Eastern European Folk and Pop music (Ukrainian, Lemko, Rusyn, Czech, Slovak, and Polish) set to unique modern arrangements. It also carries a wide, varied and rich repertoire of American and British music – from the twenties to contemporary top hits. Sample their music Here:  Oy U luzi Kalyna  and  Eneida (Vox Ethnika – on our stage).