Spotlight on Ukrainian Culture with Taras Filenko

This program is part of pianist Taras Filenko’s ongoing effort to bring Ukrainian culture, particularly music, in focus for American audiences. These concerts present a unique combination of artists and repertoire. In addition to music, the concerts usually include a selection of Ukrainian poetry presented in the original language and English translation. A visual element is provided by projected images, including Ukrainian art works, both historical and contemporary, as well as current photos of Ukraine.

Featured Artists:

Taras Filenko: piano

Marta Krechkovsky: violin (member of the Pittsburgh Symphony and Clarion Quartet)

Anastasiia Rozvakovska: reader

Karolina Karagyozova: reader

Lydia Balazs: vocals

Julia Kordesich: vocals

Mariana Pelts: vocals

About the Artist:

Dr. Taras Filenko (he/him) is a noted scholar and performer of Ukrainian music. A graduate of the National Academy of Music in Kyiv, he went on to serve as a member of the faculty and eventually as Associate Dean of Conducting and Voice. From the Academy, he was awarded a Ph.D. in historic musicology in 1989, later earning a doctorate in Ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998. For over forty years, Taras has worked in the fields of History of Music, Ethnomusicology, and Music Performance (piano, organ, and choir directing), successfully combining his work as scholar, teacher, and performer. He has presented concerts throughout Europe and North America, making numerous media appearances promoting the works of contemporary Ukrainian composers. Taras is a recipient of Fulbright and Petesh Scholarships. The themes of his academic publications (more than 100) embrace ethnic studies, musical culture and politics, ethnomusicology, and music and poetry. Together with his mother, Tamara Bulat, he authored The World of Mykola Lysenko: Ethnic Identity, Music Culture and Politics, (2001). A Ukrainian version of this important work was published in 2009. Dr. Filenko has participated in numerous musicological conferences and in international symposiums in Austria, Belgium, France, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Russia, Canada, and the United States.

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant 40 North is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but a cash wine bar will be available.