In the city of Emlenton, Pennsylvania, on the territory of the All Saints' settlement, the traditional summer camp "Kobzarska Sich" was held - a unique program that has been educating young people in a love of bandura, Ukrainian song and culture for over four decades.
This was reported by the organizers of Kobzarska Sich.
"Kobzarska Sich is more than just a summer camp, it is a second home for many. This is that special time of year when you dedicate two weeks to bandura and Ukrainian culture. As one of the few places where Ukrainian traditions, language and music, especially bandura and folk singing, are preserved and passed on to future generations, Kobzarska Sich offers a truly meaningful experience. This is a place where you can build lifelong friendships, share stories, and feel part of a larger Ukrainian community,” the organizers say.
For two weeks, young people aged 12–18 learned to play the bandura in group and individual lessons, sang in male, female, and mixed ensembles, studied music theory and eurythmy exercises, and listened to lectures on the history of kobzarism, Ukrainian music, and traditions. At the same time, students had the opportunity to relax in nature, participate in sports competitions, swimming, and evening events ranging from bonfires to volleyball tournaments.
A special highlight of this year’s Kobzarska Sich was the appointment of Teryn Kytasty-Kuzma as the first female artistic director in decades, who, together with Honored Artist of Ukraine Oleh Sozansky, headed the program.
“We are extremely proud of our Teryn Kytasta-Kuzma… This camp played a key role in teaching many of our participants to play the bandura in North America. This joint work was incredible – we hope that by introducing young people to the bandura and Ukrainian song, we inspired them to continue to learn and preserve these treasures,” the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America noted.
The final chord was a grand concert of bandura student players, during which Honored Artist of Ukraine Oleg Sozansky also performed, performing the legendary piece “Bandurist, Gray Eagle”.
“It’s absolutely intense! But it’s wonderfully and beautifully enriching! No one is against hard work, because the final product is so full of… friends, fun, immersion in work, amazing musical and vocal knowledge gained… you have to experience it to understand!”, shared Vera Gernaga’s impressions.
Kobzarska Sich has existed since 1979 and remains one of the few places in the United States where Ukrainian traditions and music are passed on to the next generation.
“I have never played any musical instrument (except for a few trial piano lessons at the university). I can’t read music (although I learned a little at Kobzarska Sich)… I was working and had almost no time for rehearsals – but I still found 5 hours to prove to the children in the camp and to myself: if there is a fire burning inside, then anything is possible. Culture inspires. Come next year and play the bandura with Kobzarska Sich – it is absolutely for everyone!”, – shared Marichka Glyten’s impressions.
Photos and video: Alex Fedorchuk
Author: Inna Mikhno