About Our Music

Compositions performed by the Ukrainian Male Chorus are from the traditional and sacred repertoire of male choral music. With emphasis on quality and artistic presentation, we have been recognized by the local, national, and the international community. In our music, the singers' Ukrainian heritage is evident in the passion of the choir's displays of texture and colour.

A lament for the cranes returning to Chornobyl, unaware of the tragedy that has befallen their native land: abandoned houses, neglected orchards, and poisoned ponds.

Listen to the song by clicking this link.

These great choral tranditions of the Ukrainian Christmas season - Carols, Greetings and Malanka verses - are performed by the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton. The collection features the "Malanka Suite" which was composed by maestro Willi Zwozdesky and dedicated to the memory of Taras Uzwyshyn - long time member and friend.

Below is the content of the album with some samples. Note that due to the compression, the quality of the samples had to be compromised.

1. God Eternal. (Solos: Greg and Andy Hladyshevsky)
2. Tidings From Bethlehem . (Solos: Sam Kostiuk, Nick Horobec, Darcy Gulka)
3. At Christ's Birth . (Solos: Andrzej Szymanowka, Taras Zakordonsky)
4. In Bethlehem.  (Solos; Mark Gowda, Nathan Bayduza, Terry Baydala)
5. Most Holy Mary .  (Solos: Roman Wasarab, John Zinchuk, Paul Teterenko, Malcolm Harrison
6. God Eternal.  (Reprise)        
7. Malanka Suite.  (Original Composition by Willi Zwozdesky. In memory of Taras Uzwyshyn)

This album, released in 2002, was recorded live at concerts at Beulah Alliance Church (1994-1996), Evangel Penetcostal Assembly Church (1997-2000) and the Winspear Centre for Music (2001-2002) in Edmonton.

Below is the content of the album with some samples. Note that due to the compression, the quality of the samples had to be compromised.

1. O Almighty God. (M Lysenko/T. Kupchyns'kyj)
2. The Evening Falls - Ukrainian Folk Song (A. Kos-Anatol's'ky)
3. Weep Not, Rachel . (M. Kolessa/T. Kupchyns'kyj)
4. A Fine Summer Borshch . (W. Zwozdesky)
5. The Cherubic Hymn . (D. Bortnians'kyj)
6. Hey Bretheren Opryshky . (Je. Kozak/M. Ustijanovych)
7. Mother's Language. (Yu. Shevchenko/M. Synhajivs'kyj)
8. Play, O Kobzar . (H. Kytastyj)
9. The Rustling Grove - Ukrainian Folk Song (H. Kytastyj)
10. The Neighbour Girl . (Ja. Jatsynevych)
11. As I Walked from Debrechyn - Ukrainian Folk Song (A. Kolomijets')
12. O Bandurist, Grey-winged Eagle.(Ja. Orlov/T. Shevchenko)
13. In the Meadow Along the Prut. (I. Vorobkevych)
14. Roughneck(A. Harrison/M. Prokopiw)
15. The Pond Falls Asleep. (D. Kotko)
16. My Father Told Me - Ukrainian Folk Song (Je. Kozak)
17. In the Grove by the Danube . (M. Bilan)

In 1992 we recorded our first album titled That Old Sheepskin Coat in honour of the centennial of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada.

The album is a collection of folk, sacred, and contemporary songs set in the Ukrainian choral tradition. The title song is about the challenges of the Ukrainian pioneering in Canada. It is based on stories "told" by an old sheepskin coat used by one of our ancestors that is hanging on the wall.

Below is the content of the album with some samples. Note that due to the compression, the quality of the samples had to be compromised.

1. O Canada. Arranged by Z. Lavryshyn
2. The Shining Moon. Arranged by B. Alexejenko, lyrics by L. Zabashta.
3. Moonlight Sonata. Lyrics by V. Shashkevych, music by L. Beethoven, arranged by V. Polevyj.
4. Medley of Songs of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen. Arranged by J. Smerychansk'kyj.
5. The Old Sheepskin Coat. Lyrics by A. Zwozdesky, music by E. Zwosdesky, arranged by W. Zwosdesky.
6. The Lord's Prayer. Music by M. Verbyc'kyj.
7. The Grave in the Field. From the poem The Hired Girl.
8. The Praying Flower. Lyrics by V. Shashkevych, music by M. Verbyc'kyj.
9. When We Sit Down to Drink. Arranged by O. Chyshko.
10. Ivan from Putyliv. Lyrics by D. Mlaka, music by I. Vorobkevych.
11. When the Night Covers Me. Arranged by V. Matiuk.
12. Lord, Have Mercy. Music of L'vovs'kyj.