"One of the best choirs on the planet"

SACRED CHANTS AND SONGS OF UKRAINE

STOP PRESS!

Our amazing singers recently gained first prize at a prestigious international competition in Poland. The Revutsky Academic Male Capella, from which Boyan Ensemble’s members are drawn, came first in the professional category at The XXIX International Festival of Orthodox Music Hajnówka 2010, which is organized under the Honorary Patronage of the President, the Minister of Culture and the Arts, Krzysztof Penderecki. Additionally, our wonderful soprano, Valentina Ivanenko, was one of only two soloists awarded the special Jury Prize. We are very proud of this important award and send many congratulations to the Music Director Yuriy Kuratch, to the soloists, and to all members of the choir.

Since 1992 music lovers have been enthralled by the singing of the Boyan Ensemble, whose 19th consecutive tour of the UK starts in Brighton on 31 October with 25 concerts scheduled nationwide.

The Boyan Ensemble, a fully professional choir, is renowned for its magnificent sound: deepest bass (perhaps only the Slavs can produce such voices) blending seamlessly with baritone and tenor. In many of the works a single lyric soprano soars above the smooth tones of the men, adding a unique quality that distinguishes this choir from all others.

Part I consists of sacred chants of the Eastern Orthodox church, many specially arranged for the Ensemble, which reflect the intense spiritual drama of a religion banned under the Soviet regime, while Part II showcases the vibrant and exciting folklore of Ukraine with a kaleidoscope of songs in many moods. Traditional instruments, including Bandura and lira, (hurdy–gurdy), feature in this section of the programme.

"The standard of musicianship is breathtaking"