Concerts

Glory to Ukraine

Glory to Ukraine

Saturday July 20 – 7:00pm

This concert is a celebration of Ukrainian music and culture. A breathtaking and heartfelt musical experience featuring internationally renowned soloists Solomiya Ivakhiv (violin) and Steven Beck (piano). The concert will also feature the unique Ukrainian Folk group, Two Families Band

 

“Why Didn’t You Come?” – Trad. Ukrainian folk song, Arr. Valentyn Zadoianov
   Two Families Band
Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Minor, Op. 18 (1927) – Viktor Kosenko (1896-1938)
   I. Allegro
   II. Andantino semplice
   Solomiya Ivakhiv, Violin
   Steven Beck, Piano
“Salome dance” – Valentyn Zadoianov
   Two Families Band
Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 (1991) – Myroslav Skoryk (1938-2020)
   I. The Word: Moderato con moto
   II. Aria: Andante con moto
   III. Burlesque: Vivo
   Solomiya Ivakhiv, Violin
   Steven Beck, Piano

                            INTERMISSION

“Kozak rode across the Danube” – Trad. Ukrainian folk song, Arr. Valentyn Zadoianov
   Two Families Band
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor, Op. 26 (1922) – Serhiy Bortkevych (1877-1952)
   I. Sostenuto-Allegro drammatico
   II. Andante
   III. Allegro vivace a con brio
   Solomiya Ivakhiv, Violin
   Steven Beck, Piano

Solomiya Ivakhiv, Violin

Violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv is praised for her “crystal clear and noble sound” (Culture and Life, Ukraine) and acclaimed for her “distinctive charm and subtle profundity” (Daily Freeman, New York). She is celebrated as a soloist, recitalist and chamber music collaborator, as a champion of new music and as a dedicated educator. Solomiya Ivakhiv has performed in solo and chamber recitals at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Curtis Institute Field Concert Hall, Italian Academy in New York City, Pickman Hall in Cambridge, MA, San Jose Chamber Music Society, Old First Concerts in San Francisco, Astoria Music Festival (Portland), Tchaikovsky Hall in Kyiv, Concertgebouw Mirror Hall, and at UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts.

Steven Beck, Piano

The American pianist, Steven Beck, graduated from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where his teachers were Seymour Lipkin, Peter Serkin and Bruce Brubaker.

Steven Beck made his debut with the National Symphony Orchestra, and has toured Japan as soloist with the New York Symphonic Ensemble. Other orchestras with which he has appeared include the New Juilliard Ensemble (under David Robertson), Sequitur, Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players, and Virginia Symphony.

Steven Beck has performed as soloist and chamber musician at the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Miller Theater, Steinway Hall, Tonic, and Barbes, as well as on the New York Philharmonic Ensembles Series and WNYC; summer appearances have been at the Aspen Music Festival, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Greenwich Music Festival, Woodstock Mozart Festival, and Wellesley Composers’ Conference. He is an Artist Presenter and regular performer at Bargemusic, performs frequently as a musician with the Mark Morris Dance Group, and has performed with the New York City Ballet. As an orchestral musician he has appeared as an orchestral keyboard player with with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, New York City Ballet Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Mariinsky Orchestra and many others.

Two Families Band – Professional Biography

Two Families Band is a dynamic musical ensemble offering a wide array of concert performances, tailored programs, event musical arrangements, and music lessons for both children and adults. Comprised of seasoned professional musicians originally from Ukraine, the band brings a wealth of experience from performing in clubs, restaurants, hotels, and cruise ships. They boast an extensive repertoire encompassing classical music, jazz, blues, folk, rock and roll, and more, performed in multiple languages.

Since relocating to Canada, Two Families Band has given numerous solo concerts and participated in prestigious events such as the Niagara Jazz Festival, Dundas Cactus Festival, Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Niagara Music Festival, Hamilton “Music and Motion,” “It’s Your Festival,” and the CMCTV Talent Show.

Valentyn Zadoianov (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica)
Valentyn is a distinguished concert performer, guitar teacher, and composer. Holding a higher education degree, he has toured globally, engaging in concerts and creative expeditions. He has published 12 collections of original music for guitar and recorded 12 albums across various styles, including classical, ethnic, blues, rock, and jazz.

Iryna Samarina (Vocals, Flute)
Iryna is an accomplished concert and studio singer, as well as a vocal teacher for both children and adults. She has extensive global touring experience, performing as a singer and flutist in various bands. A winner of numerous competitions, Iryna excels in diverse musical styles, including classical, folk, jazz, blues, and rock.

Julia Kim (Domra)
Julia is a highly experienced teacher and performer, recognized for her achievements in numerous music competitions. She holds a higher education degree and has performed extensively in ensembles, orchestras, and as a solo artist.

Oleh Apostolov (Double Bass)
Oleh is a professional performer, teacher, and arranger with a higher musical education and extensive experience. A winner of numerous competitions and a participant in international jazz festivals, Oleh brings a profound expertise to the ensemble.

Musical Offerings
Two Families Band delivers original compositions in classical, ethnic, Celtic, and modern styles, along with Ukrainian original and folk songs, and golden hits in blues, jazz, and rock and roll styles. Their performances are renowned for their professional excellence and vibrant energy.

Two Families Band – Always a Great Mood, Always Professional Music!

St. Mark’s Church
41 Byron St. Niagara-on-the-Lake

$40.00 + HST

  • Online ticket sales close 5 PM the day before.
  • Rush tickets available the day of the concert at the door.
  • Discounted tickets, packages and student pricing are only available to purchase by phone.

Generously Sponsored by:

         Reny Burrows