The Performers at the Festival in 2008

Roman Wasylyk - Master of Ceremonies and Comedian

Born in Manhattan, New York, Roman has established himself as a comedian extraordinaire who for the past 30 years, has performed improvisational comedy and stand-up at various clubs and venues. His vocal range and linguistic abilities has allowed him to imitate many voices and nationalities. His "gigs" include the "Who's on First" Comedy Club in New York City, the Granit Hotel and the U.N.A. Resort - "Soyuzivka" (both in Kerhonkson, NY) and the Garden State Arts Festival in Holmdel, N.J. He was also an on-air personality for classical radio station WJFF-FM in Jeffersonville, NY.

Roman's talents has also allowed him to serve as Master of Ceremonies for numerous festivals and shows, including the Ukrainian Heritage Festival in Yonkers, the Connecticut State Ukrainian Festival (in Connecticut, of course), the Glen Spey Festival (follow me on this one - in Glen Spey, NY) and the St. George Ukrainian Festival on 7th Street in New York City. He has also presided as M.C. at numerous weddings and dances.

Roman is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and lives in Oxford, CT.

Adrianna Rudyk-Odomirok

A graduate of Fordham University, Adrianna Rudyk-Odomirok currently works as a Regional Associate Manager for Fortune Brands, Jim Beam Global in Rye, NY. A member of CYM Yonkers since she was five years old, Adrianna has performed on this stage on numerous occasions. Today she is a member of the CYM Uprava (Board of Directors).

Brought up in a very Ukrainian home, Adrianna continues to celebrate her heritage every day. At home her appreciation and love for all things Ukrainian is apparent in her embroideries, baking, art collection and attendance at various festivals and zabavy. Although she enjoys traveling all over the world, she is always drawn to her roots and looks forward to returning to Ukraine every few years.

MCing Ukrainian festivals gives Adrianna the opportunity to meet other talented Ukrainian dancers, singers and musicians. Her poise and elegance allow her to present these artists in fluent Ukrainian and English. In addition to MCing the Yonkers Festival for the past few years, her previous MC experience includes the Ukrainian Day Festival in Stamford, CT, shows at the CYM Resort in Ellenville, N.Y., as well as, a summer MCing at the Soyuzivka Resort in Kerhonkson, NY. Adrianna looks forward to enjoying this weekend with you!

Ukrainian American Youth Association Dancers

The Ukrainian American Youth Association “CYM” Branch of Yonkers is proud to sponsor their dance classes, under the direction and choreography of its choreographer, Gregory Momot. Mr. Momot hails from Selozerebky near Ternopil, Ukraine. He is a graduate of the Ukrainian Folk Dance Department at Kyiv University where he studied traditional Ukrainian folk dance under choreographer Valeria Virsky. In Ukraine, he frequently preformed with a national dance troupe and also directed the “Halychanky” dance ensemble. The ensemble is split into three groups based on age:

“Metelyky” which is comprised of boys and girls from 6 to 10 years old.

“Hony Viter” is comprised of boys and girls from 11 to 14 years old.

“Halychany” is comprised of boys and girls from 14 to 16 years old.

The dances are based on original traditional folk dances and develop a bond between the dancers and their ethnic heritage as well as being a joy to watch.

Since the group’s existence, they have performed at many outdoor festivals, banquets and concerts in the Tri-State area, much to delight of their viewers. Each year the groups also compete with similar age groups at the “CYM” Resort in Ellenville, NY where they brought home many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place honors in their age categories.

Performances in the past include: Multi-ethnic celebration at Philips Manor, the Hillside School in Hastings, Ukrainian Youth Center in Yonkers, NY, South Broadway International Ethnic Festival, Tibbet’s Brook Park County Festivals and the St. Michael’s Ukrainian Festival annually.

Assisting the groups are Marika Kozicky, Maria Wasiczko and Oksana Wasiczko.

CYMivski Zirochky

This youngest dance group is under the auspices of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (Yonkers Branch). The group is under the direction of Ray, Pete and Oksana Wasiczko with the help of Maria Wasiczko and Stephanie DeBruin.

Arkan Dance Company

Arkan Dance Company and The Ukrainian Academy of Dance are under the artistic direction of Danovia Stechishin, who founded the school and company in 1987. She has made numerous research trips to Ukraine including conducting folkloric research in over 100 villages and working with many professional and amateur dance groups. Danovia was a professional ballet and modern dancer and has been teaching dance for 31 years. Arkan and the Academy rehearse at Gotta Dance and Stefura Dance Studios, a professionally- equipped dance studio where ballet, jazz, hip hop, acro, ballroom, latin and creative movement are also taught for dancers aged 3 to adult. Arkan Dance Company, as Ukrainian-Canadian ambassadors, has traveled to Florida, New York, Taiwan, Brazil, China, Drummondville, Quebec, Dauphin, Manitoba, Ukraine, Mexico and Turkey. In July 2006, Arkan placed third in an international folk competition in Istanbul. They have performed for the United Nations, Royal Ontario Museum and for many dignitaries locally and abroad. Last year 3 younger groups traveled to perform at Walt Disney World and at the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair. The Ukrainian Academy of Dance and Arkan Dance Company celebrate their 21st anniversary this year. Last year they produced a commemorative 20th anniversary book and brought together many of the past 1000 dancers that have graced the Academy and Arkan over the years.

Prolisok Girls Choir

“Prolisok”, the girls choir of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA), whose members range in ages from 13 to 20 years has been in existence in New York City since 1994.

Since 2002, Prolisok has been under the auspices of the Ukrainian American Youth Association in Yonkers, NY combining its’ efforts with both branches to promote Ukrainian culture through the beauty of its song. Currently, members hail from both cities.

To date, “Prolisok” has delighted audiences at numerous cultural festivals and programs in New York City and the Metropolitan area, with a repertoire consisting of traditional and modern Ukrainian songs. Prolisok has shared the stage with groups including Syzokryli Dance, Ukrainian Banudrist Chorus and the Dumka Chorus of NY.

The musical director of the choir is Andrij Stasiw. He is a well-known pianist, conductor and composer and has traveled nationally and internationally with several groups and as a solo performer. He is formerly the conductor of the “Trembita” chorus of Detroit and currently conducts the church choir at Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Astoria, NY. Andrij is a professional accompanist and has recorded with various artists in the NYC area within the contemporary and opera genres.

Prolisok has just released a new CD which will be available for purchase at the festival.

Liliya Ostapenko

Liliya Ostapenko’s appearance in Ukrainian cultural music is unique. She is a popular professional singer, Merited artist of Ukraine, composer, author of over 400 songs, vocal instructor and violinist. She is a graduate of the Donetsk Conservatory of Music for the violin. Liliya is a Laureate of many festivals and competitions in Ukraine. She has performed in Europe, Canada, and the USA.

Her songs have been performed by the most famous singers of Ukraine, such as Oksana Bilozir, Taiciya Povaliy, Valentyna Stepova, Alla Kydlie, Ani Lorak, Katya Buzynska, Oksana Pekyn, Nadia Shestak, etc.

In 2006 Liliya Ostapenko organized a concert on the main stage of “Palatz Ukraina” in Kiev, Ukraine where many popular Ukrainian singers were singing the songs that she wrote for them. She immigrated to the USA, and in 2007 The Love of Culture and Tradition sponsored her debut performance in New York City at the Ukrainian Youth Association, CYM.

Her desire in life is to teach children how to sing. She has devoted her time and energy to music and the education of children, because the children are our future.

The Hrim Band

“HRIM” the Ukrainian Band has already made many inroads into the Ukrainian music scene on the east coast of the U.S. Formed during CYM Vyshkil ’04, “HRIM” has numerous talents and interests that have brought them together as a band. The “Hrim” guys all enjoy many different genres of music. The unifying thread that keeps them as one, is the fact that they all love to play, sing and listen to Ukrainian music. Roman Palylyk - lead vocal and bass guitar, John Drobenko - drums, guitar, vocals, Peter Kolinsky - vocals, lead vocals , Roman Kozicky - electric, acoustic guitar, vocals, Peter Drobenko - accordion, keyboard, guitar, vocals.Suzy Q, CYM Oselia and Plasts Vovcha Tropa as well as other Zabavas and Malanka’s all over the east coast. They are ready to move to the next level with their performance skills and will be performing at weddings, zabavas and festivals in the near future.

Keep in touch with “HRIM”, their music and their schedule by logging onto their website. http://www.hrimband.com Keep on dancing!!

The Wave

The Wave is now in its 13th year of year of existence and is based out of Long Island, New York. The band has not only played together but they have also bonded as friends. They have played a variety of functions from summer picnics to Gala Banquets, from Pennsylvania through Massachusetts. Let us play your next affair!

A highlight for the Band was when The Wave had their first television appearance on cable tv. The entire performance was aired live from Bethlehem Musikfest with a very enthusiastic crowd dancing throughout the show! The Wave Band plays the very best in traditional and modern Ukrainian and American music. All of our music is performed live on stage.

The band started about 14 years ago as a “jam” band and well -- just jelled. WOW, can you believe all these years have gone by? We’ve married off a lot of people, played a lot of parties and Zabavas (dances). Our mission is to make sure that everyone has as much fun as we do. Whether it is by listening to our latest recording or by experiencing a “live” performance. And there is nothing like feeling the energy from live musicians. Our business is making sure you have fun.

Musicians: Gary Petrowsky - Accordion, Keyboard, Vocals; Bohdan Mychajlyshyn - Accordion, Vocals; Ihor Gishta - Drums, Vocals; Frank Kolodzieski - Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Clarinet; John Lee-Bass - Guitar, Vocals

Iskra

Iskra Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble was founded over ten years ago as one of the studios of the late Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, a renowned teacher and choreographer. Iskra is currently under the artistic direction of Andrij Cybyk, and consists of over 60 students ranging in age from 6 to 19. Under Mr. Cybyk’s tutelage the students learn and perform folk dances from various areas of Ukraine, always with careful attention to ethnographic details in both costumes and choreography.

Iskra was one of only two Ukrainian folk dance youth ensembles chosen to perform at Lincoln Center in 2004 with Syzokryli, the renowned semi-professional Ukrainian dance troupe, at a concert celebrating the life and works of the late Roma Pryma Bohachevsky.

The group can regularly be seen at Ukrainian festivals in the tri-state area, including 7th Street in New York City, Yonkers, Newark, Bound Brook, Morris County, and others. Iskra took part in the Metro Stars Ukrainian Day in September 2005, performing not only for fellow Ukrainian-Americans who had gathered there, but for all those who were attending the Metro Stars game that day. As a youth ensemble, Iskra is particularly proud and pleased to share their love of their heritage with others. They have performed at “World Culture” events at Newark Academy and in the Westfield, Morris Plains, and New Providence public school systems and at events sponsored by Plainsboro Township, Middlesex County, and the State of NJ.

Vesna

Vesna is the Ukrainian Dance group under the auspices of the Ukrainian Heritage Society of Rockland County, specifically Spring Valley. There has been a VESNA dance group for many years, but they are also in a constant flux, due to the maturation of its members. Currently there are 12 members in the group, ranging from ages 6 to 12, of which over half are brand new dancers this year. They are correographed by Gregory Momot.

Barvinok (Astoria)

Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was founded by parents of Holy Cross Church in Astoria, Queens in 1994. Its goal was to keep traditional Ukrainian folk dance alive.

Barvinok had the privilege and honor of having as it’s first instructor Pani Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, legendary dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Her career took her from being a principal dancer in the Paris Opera Ballet, to performing as a soloist around the world, creating her own professional ensemble, and finally, after settling in the United States, establishing dance schools with the intention of promoting Ukrainian Folk Dance. After teaching for Barvinok for 9 years, she decided to retire and pass the reigns on to two of her protégés, Orlando and Larisa Pagan. For years, both have been soloists with the Syzokryli Folk Ensemble, established by Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, and Mr. Pagan has been a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem for the past 6 years. Together, they have helped to carry on the tradition that Roma Pryma Bohachevsky began when she first came to this country.

The Barvinok Dance Ensemble is comprised of 3 groups: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Currently, there are 42 children and young adults in ages ranging from 5-20 years old. Not only are these dancers learning the art of Ukrainian folk dance, but they the are given the opportunity to present that art to theirs and other cultures. Just as importantly, Barvinok allows the students a place where they can foster friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Dvorovenko Dance School

Volodymyr Dvorovenko graduated from the Kyiv State Ballet School and State University of Art in Kyiv, where he went on to perform as principal dancer and traveled extensively with Virsky Ukrainian State Dance Company, as well as Veriovka Ukrainian National Dance Company, and Yatran Ukrainian National Dance Company of Ukraine. Volodymyr Dvorovenko was Director and Choreographer of Ukraine’s Shumka Ballet Academy for Children, as well as Ballet Master for Stars of the Ukrainian Circus.

He and his wife Olga, dance teacher/choreographer, are proud parents of Irina Dvorovenko, Principal Ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre in NYC, where both have taught, and continue teaching in prestigious dance academies. The Dvorovenko Dance School based in NYC was formed in 2007.

Roma Pryma Bohachevsky School of Dance

In 1964 Roma Pryma Bohachevsky started her school of Ukrainian Dance in New York, inspired by her love of Ukraine and its dances. Throughout the years the school has trained thousands of youngsters in ballet and traditional Ukrainian folk dance, and many have gone on to professional careers in the world of dance.

Today, there is a new generation of students eager to continue the tradition she started. Overseeing the school is its present director Orlando Pagan and his Assistant Larisa Pagan. Together they continue to promote and foster the tradition of Ukrainian Folk Dance, thus keeping alive the legacy that Roma Pryma Bohachevsky began.

Kalynonka Dancers

The Kalynonka Dancers are based in Stamford, CT and will celebrate the fifth anniversary of their creation in September of 2007. Their impressive repertoire includes some half a dozen dances, like “Hopak,” “Kalyna,” “Hutsulka,” and “Bukovyna,” just to name a few. Each dance requires a different costume depending on which part of Ukraine it hails from. The aim of the group is to honor the rich history and culture of Ukraine, and help preserve the Ukrainian heritage. The ensemble is comprised of three groups: the youngest group includes children who are 4-5 years of age, the middle group are kids 6-11 years of age, and the eldest group is made up of kids 12-16 years of age. The ensemble includes children born both in Ukraine and here in the US. The group’s director and choreographer is Hryhorij Momot and the assistant director is Olga Grabar.

Barvinok (South Bound Brook)

Barvinok was started in 2001 to give children of Ukrainian heritage the opportunity to learn traditional Ukrainian dance under professional instruction. Barvinok is comprised of 3 groups for dancers of ages five through eighteen. The group is based in South Bound Brook, NJ where it enjoys the support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Barvinok is very fortunate to have as its artistic director Hryhoriy Momot, who comes to us from Ukraine with an extensive, professional background in Ukrainian folk dance. His masterful choreography and beautiful costumes capture the unique vitality of Ukrainian dance. Under Mr. Momot’s artistic direction Barvinok performs traditional dances from different regions of Ukraine. The dancers wear beautifully embroidered costumes from Ukraine.

Barvinok recently returned from a memorable trip to Lviv, Ukraine. There they participated in the International Festival–Competition of Ukrainian Folkdance Groups where 2 of their dances were chosen for the final concert. Barvinok regularly performs at cultural festivals, community and arts centers and colleges in the greater New York area. Barvinok dances at the 9th Avenue International Food Festival in New York City, the Somerset County International Festival in New Jersey, and Ukrainian festivals in New York City, NJ and Yonkers, NY, to name a few.

Performances of the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of NJ are very enthusiastically received. Mr. Momot’s energetic and intricate choreography and beautiful regional costumes bring alive the spirit of Ukrainian dance.

Mr. Momot studied choreography, folk dance and Ukrainian costume, at the Kyiv Cultural University where he received his university degree and certification as a Director of Ukrainian Folk Dance Schools. Mr. Momot also danced with the world famous Virsky National Dance Company and toured with them throughout Europe.

Westchester Ukrainian Folk Dancing Group

The Westchester Ukrainian Folk Dancing group has been in existence only since January 2007. The group currently consists of approximately 25 children between the ages of 7-13 and meets every Wednesday night at the Ukrainian Youth Center. Orlando and Larysa Pagan, along with the group members and their parents are looking forward to establishing a successful & talented dance group that will continue to perform for many years to come! If you are interested in joining, please contact Oksana Tomaszewsky at oakie1216@yahoo.com.

The Love of Culture and Tradition presents “Silver Bell 2008”

The Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival is proud to host the inaugural Silver Bell singing competition. This extraordinary children’s singing competition, “Silver Bell”, is founded under the patronage of the Ukrainian Consulate General in New York City by the non-profit organization. The Love of Culture and Tradition, Inc. (www.loveofculture.org) The Love of Culture and Tradition, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate the community by providing cultural, educational, literary, or artistic programs such as music, dance, performances, and exhibits in order to preserve and communicate the traditions, customs, and historical events of Ukraine or other nationalities.

The Mission of the Silver Bell Pageant is: 1) A spiritual, educational, and charitable event to educate the community about the culture and traditions of Ukraine. 2) Nurture, encourage, and assist in the development of the artistic talent of our youth to flower. 3) Cultural and ethical upbringing of our future generations. 4) Finding and supporting gifted young talent. 5) Development of international relations between artists and youth. 6) Expanding cultural, artistic, and traditional interrelationships in our international community. 7) Promote diversity; strengthen friendly ties, and sharing traditions for the benefit of all.

Each participant in the Pageant will sing two songs. One song must be a Traditional Ukrainian song and the second song may be in English or Ukrainian. This year we have 12 Participants in the two categories of “12 and under” and “13 to 17” and they are:

• #1 Julia Kurylec is 8 years old, was born in Philadelphia, and lives in Huntingdon Valley, PA. She began performing when she was 3 1/2 years old. Julia has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond, including the Taras Shevchenko National Opera Theater of Kiev, Ukraine. Her hobbies include drawing, catching butterflies, and playing the keyboard and the violin, and she enjoys Christmas Caroling. Julia’s goal in life is to become a singer and to learn how to fly.
• #2 Natalya Krutovska is 8 years old and was born in Ternopil, Ukraine and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She was a laureate at the Ukrainian Festival, “Mother of God, Heavenly Flowers”. Natalya has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond. Her favorite style of music is Ukrainian estrada, and her favorite singers are Sofia Rotaru, Mykola Baskov, and Natalka Buchynska. Natalya’s hobbies are singing and swimming. Her goal in life is to become a famous singer. Natalya’s favorite saying is “My knowledge is my wealth”.
• #3 Andrea-Francesca Popovich is 9 years old and was born in Rumania, and lives in Lindenhurst, NY. She has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and at many events organized by the Holy Family Parish, plays the piano, and her favorite style of music is contemporary Estrada. Her hobbies are singing, dancing, painting and reading, her goal in life is to become a teacher. Andrea-Francesca’s favorite saying is “My family is priceless”.
• #4 Kalyna Leshchuk is 9 years old, was born in New York City, and lives in East Hanover, NJ. She has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and is learning how to play the piano and Bandura. With her performances last year, she has benefited Saint John the Baptist Church, Self Reliance, CYM Zlet, Soyuz Ukrainok and the UPA concert in Whippany, NJ. Kalyna’s favorite style of music is the Ukrainian folk song, and her favorite singers are Oksana Bilozir, Ruslana and Bandyrna Rozmova. Her hobbies are swimming, ice skating, dancing and ballet. Her goal in life is to become a teacher. Kalyna’s favorite saying is “Be honest, work hard and learn”.
• #5 Khristine Shafranski is 12 years old, was born on Long Island New York, and lives in Emmaus, PA. She has performed multiple times in the tri-state area. Christine’s favorite style of music is Ukrainian, and her favorite singers are Ruslana, Sofia Rotoru, and Oksana Bilozir. Her hobbies are swimming, singing, dancing, and painting. Khristine’s goal in life is to become a better friend.
• #6 Zoryana Zaryckyj is 12 years old and was born and lives in New York City. She has been a member of the Ukrainian Youth Organization, CYM, for about 8 years and has been singing for about 10 years. Zoryana started learning to play the piano 5 years ago and has performed multiple times in the tri-state area. Her favorite style of music is pop, and her favorite singer is Sofia Rotaru. Zoryana’s hobbies are singing and cooking. Her goal in life is to become a singer-actress or pediatrician, and to promote the culture and traditions of Ukraine by singing Her songs because she loves her “Batkivshchyna”. Zoryana’s motto is, “If you have faith, anything can happen - friend”.
• #7 Melania Reuter is 12 years old, was born in Washington DC and lives in Falls Church, VA. She has loved to sing as soon as she learned to talk. She participated in “Creative Cauldron”, for the last 6 years, whose productions were musicals, and she represented her school at the Virginia All-State Chorus and the Fairfax All-County Chorus and she participated in the Pre-Teen America Competition. Also, she performed in the concerts organized by the School of Ukrainian Studies in the name of Taras Shevchenko in Washington DC. Melania has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond. Her favorite style of music is from Walt Disney, and her favorite singer is Kvitka Tzicyk. Melania’s hobbies are singing, sewing, embroidery, reading with her father and Scouting with her mother. Her goal in life is to become a veterinarian or a professional in the field of music. Melania’s favorite saying is “Use friendliness, but do not use your friends.”
• #8 Yuliya Stupen is 13 years old and was born in Lvivska Oblast, Ukraine and lives in Philadelphia, PA. She has performed over 300 times in the tri-state area and beyond, including the National Taras Shevchenko Opera and Palatz Ukraina in Kiev and other venues in Ukraine. She has also sung with the church choir, Accolada choir, and Holubka quartet. Yuliya loves most styles of music, and her favorite singers are Natalia Buchynska, Ruslana, Oleh Skrypka, Tina Karol, Ani Lorak and Natalie Pelyh. Her hobbies are singing, dancing, reading, arts & crafts, playing the piano and Bandura. Yuliya’s goal in life is to become a professional musician, and travel around the world. Her favorite saying is “Enjoy life”.
• #9 Anna Hrabovsky is 13 years old, was born in Lviv, Ukraine, and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond, including Drama Theater, choir, festivals, and concerts. Her favorite styles of music are rock and folk, and her favorite singers are Ruslana and Oksana Bilozir. Anna’s hobbies are singing, dancing, swimming, skiing, and running. Her goal in life is to become an actress. Anna’s motto is “Live each day as if it were your last.”
• #10 Bohdan Tabaka is 14 years old, was born in Zhitomir, Ukraine and lives in Glen Rock, NJ. He has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond. The majority of his performances over the last 5 years have been ballroom dancing. He likes all Ukrainian singers and music. Bohdan’s hobbies are dancing and ballet, and he likes the theater and movies. His goal in life is to become a better person. Bohdan’s favorite saying is “If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail”.
• #11 Khrystyna Makhno is 15 years old, was born in Ternopil, Ukraine and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She has performed multiple times in the tri-state area and beyond, including singing with the Dumka choir. Also, she is vocal major in “Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.” Khrystyna’s favorite styles of music are rock and Broadway theater shows, and her favorite singer is Ruslana. Khrystyna’s hobbies are dancing, singing, playing the violin, photography, modern arts & crafts and hiking. Her goal in life is to become a singer in a Broadway show and to go hiking all over the world. Khrystyna’s favorite saying is “Nature is glamorous.”
• #12 Tetyana Chorniy is 16 years old, was born and lives in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine and has been singing with her 11 year old sister, Iryna, for about one year. She has performed multiple times throughout Ukraine, and in international competitions, including Hollywood. Her favorite style of music is traditional and modern Ukrainian music. Her favorite singers are Ani Lorak and Ruslana. Tetyana’s hobbies are playing the piano, sports and embroidery. Her goal in life is to attain a higher education and to help her family and Ukraine. Tetyana’s favorite saying is “Knowledge and art is acquired throughout the world”.

This extraordinary children’s competition will have 5 uniquely qualified judges. We proudly present the Judges of the pageant:

• Liliya Ostapenko - Merited artist of Ukraine, composer, author of over 400 songs, violinist, vocal instructor of the Cultural Institute, and judge of many singing competitions in Ukraine.
• Rostyslav Vasylenko - Merited artist of Ukraine, poet, singer, and well known performer and social activist in the Ukrainian Diaspora.
• Vasyl Hrechynsky, M.A. - A graduate of Lviv Conservatory of Music and Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Choirmaster of the Lviv Opera, Conductor of the Dumka Choir in New York City.
• Ostap Stachiv - Professional Bandura player, Judge of many singing competitions in Ukraine, talent scout of children in many international singing competitions in Hollywood.
• Roman Tzymbala - A graduate Lviv Conservatory of Music, and soloist with the Lviv Opera.

(Please note: some of the areas where the singers are awarded additional points are: most applause, best costume, best demeanor, etc. The judges may use these points at their discretion.)

The Pavlishyn Sisters

The Love of Culture and Tradition presents the Pavlishyn Sisters singing the theme song of the “SILVER BELL 2008” The Pavlishyn Sisters Duet is composed of fourteen year old Nataliya and fifteen year old Nadiya, and they have been performing for over 8 years.

Nataliya and Nadiya Pavlishyn were born in Sambor, Ukraine and live in New york City. The duet has performed over 300 times in various venues from the United Nations to the Taras Shevchenko Opera Theater in Kiev Ukraine. With their performances, they have educated the community, in the USA, Canada and Ukraine about Ukrainian heritage, culture and traditions. They have recorded two Ukrainian CDs and sang the back up vocals for a children’s CD. Information about their performances can be found in over 110 articles in newspapers, magazines, and other publications. They have appeared on TV many times, have been heard over the radio, and can be found online on over 60 websites.

Although they perform dressed in traditional Ukrainian attire, the sisters represent an exciting new generation of Ukrainian artists. Additional information on the Pavlishyn Sisters duo can be found on their website www.pavlishynsisters.org or on The Love of Culture and Tradition website www.loveofculture.org.