Women’s Bandura Ensemble of America SONGS FROM NEAR AND FAR

Performed at the Torp Theatre, L. J. Davidson Hall, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, November 15th 2025. Artistic Directors: Oksana Rodak and Oksana Zelinska-Shevchuk, President: Irene Kytasty-Kuzma, President Elect: Christina Hlutkowsky, Concertmaster: Teryn Kytasty Kuzma, Master of Ceremonies: Olya Fryz and Olga “Olichka” Borsh, Violin: Brandon Kaplan, Drums: Krystina Lewicki,
PROGRAM:
0:00 The Echo of the Steppes / Гомін Степів
3:51 Son, the Ducks Are Flying / Сину, качки летять
8:50 Introduction by Masters of Ceremonies: Olya Fryz, Olga "Olichka" Borsh
11:30 Zaporizhian March / Запорізький марш
14:32 Boat / Човен
19:05 Tyndy-Ryndy / Тинди-Ринди
24:31 Summertime / Ой ходить сон коло вікон
33:24 Don't Cry, Mama / Ох І не крич мати
38:15 Mother of Mercy / Мати Милосерда
42:30 Melody / Мелодія
46:32 Oh Beautiful Crimea / Ey Güzel Qirim
51:10 Paint me the Night / Намалюй мені ніч
54:28 Introduction to Hey, Falcons / Гей, Соколи
57:56 Hey, Falcons / Гей, Соколи
1:00:49 To My Son / Виростеш ти, сину
1:05:31 Kupalo / Купало: 1. Stand, You Oak 2. Games 3. Fire Ukrainian Folk Song
1:17:35 Многая Літа / Many Years
ABOUT WBENA: banduristka.org
Playing the traditional Ukrainian bandura, a 55-stringed plucked instrument that embodies the voice and soul of Ukraine, the Women's Bandura Ensemble draws together performers from across North America. Founded in 2015, WBENA works not only to preserve the bandura tradition, but to update it, exploring the instrument's rich artistic possibilities - from the Baroque to contemporary, to ancient melodies. The program will include a variety of group pieces, small ensembles, and solos to highlight the versatility of the musicians and their passion for preserving and sharing Ukrainian culture.
Video capture and editing: Walter Kebalo