The story of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is one of courage and true grit – a vivid chronicle that celebrates the human spirit. This is the triumphant story of the original 17 members of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus who survived World War II as a musical ensemble. The film brings out the deepest roots of a fragile tradition, celebrating the resiliency of a music culture that has survived centuries. Set against the backdrop of the war itself, the story reveals the ways that music and musicians are used and abused by political regimes.
It provides an educational, informative and compelling perspective – the personal stories of the last two survivors inter cut with the collective history of the bandura throughout the ages. Interwoven with contemporary musical performances, the film illustrates the bandurist as bard, as seer, as spiritual emissary for the soul of the Ukrainian people, then and now, in Ukraine and beyond.
Principal Sponsors of the film include – James C. Temerty & Family, The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko, Zenon, Dozia & Viktoria Krislaty, Boris Horodynsky & Family, George H & Zenowia Jurkiw, The Honourable John Yaremko, BA, QC, LL.B., Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, Ukrainian Credit Union Toronto, Selreliance Ukrainian Federal Credit Union Foundation Chicago, and Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union.
Thank you to ALL our sponsors who made this film possible !!