An evening of Ukrainian Baroque music took place in Sacramento, California, featuring musician and singer Tetiana Loboda from Kyiv—head of the studio at the National Honored Bandurist Capella of Ukraine. The event was dedicated to reviving authentic Ukrainian musical traditions, promoting historical folk instruments, and supporting Ukraine amidst Russian aggression.
This was reported by Olga Noshyn.
The concert was held in Carmichael, near Sacramento. The organizers presented a two-part program that included a musical performance, a charity fundraiser, a prize giveaway, and a workshop on playing the kobza. Following the concert, guests had the opportunity to speak with the performer, explore Ukrainian musical heritage more closely, and join in a communal sing-along.
A central feature of the program was the *kobza* of Ostap Veresai—also known as a *veresaivka*. This is a traditional Ukrainian plucked string instrument, lute-like in design, with a history dating back to the 16th–18th centuries. A distinctive feature of this instrument is its prystrunky—additional strings tuned to a diatonic scale.
The instrument played by Tetiana Loboda was crafted by Yevhen Matsioba, a contemporary luthier specializing in the reconstruction of musical instruments, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In reconstructing the historical *kobza*, the creator relied on photographs and museum artifacts from the early 20th century that have survived to the present day. This effort has resulted in the recreation of an instrument that allows us to hear the sound of an ancient Ukrainian musical tradition.
The organizers emphasized that this is not merely an introduction to a historical instrument, but also a return to a Ukrainian musical heritage that, at various times, faced suppression and marginalization. Drawing upon the traditional *kobza*—specifically the type associated with Ostap Veresai—enables the recreation of the authentic sonic palette and musical genres of Ukrainian Baroque-era culture. Tetiana Loboda interprets ancient Ukrainian poetry, blending a historical performance style with a contemporary musical sensibility.
A distinct component of the event was a charitable initiative in support of the Ukrainian military. Funds raised during a special charity raffle-auction will be directed toward upgrading electronic warfare equipment for the unit in which Tetiana Loboda’s son serves.
As the organizers explained, the unit has an ongoing need for the replacement and repair of critical military equipment—specifically drone control stations, batteries, basic electronic warfare systems, and computers. The fundraising effort aims to provide the soldiers with essential technology and help maintain the unit’s operational readiness.
Another portion of the charitable proceeds from the concert is designated for the development and promotion of authentic Ukrainian musical instruments, as well as for supporting the studio of the National Honored Bandurist Capella of Ukraine. The funds are intended to assist students, instrument makers, and colleagues of Tetiana Loboda.
The organizers highlighted the vital role played by Ukrainian artists and cultural ambassadors abroad, who help preserve national identity, support Ukrainians during challenging times, and stand against Russian imperial terror. They also drew attention to the personal toll of the war: many Ukrainians have loved ones—service members, musicians, and craftspeople—who will never be able to return to their creative work or craft kobzas, banduras, or torbans again.
"Ukraine’s cultural ambassadors are called upon to help Ukrainians endure hardships and resist Moscow’s terror. After all, each of us has relatives serving in the military, as well as fellow musicians and instrument makers who will never again create kobzas, banduras, or torbans. As long as we live, we must support Ukraine and its Armed Forces," the organizers stated.
This evening of Ukrainian Baroque music was made possible through the joint efforts of volunteers from the Sunflower Society—who organize pro-Ukrainian initiatives in Sacramento—the Sacramento Ukrainian Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Oksana Stus.
Photo: Vadym Kvasnevskyi
Author: Danylo Pievchev