On October 20, past and present members of the Vesna Ukrainian Choir celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Rise in Maylands.
The choir’s first performance was a CYM concert on October 18, 1988. Vesna’s conductress Suzanna Prushynsky, who is originally from Sydney, thanked Bohdan Mykytiuk and Erica and Dorica Konderewicz for their inspiration that set the then Vesna “Young” Women’s Choir on its journey.
Mrs Prushynsky also paid homage to the women who were the pioneers of the current choir.
She said that Vesna reached a peak membership of 20 women and seven men but that over the 25 years more than 60 people had participated in Vesna.
The choir has performed at many Ukrainian cultural events and some weddings with performances including solos, duets, trios and quartets.
Such performances were made possible by the hard work of the choristers, committee members, fundraising committees, costume designers, dressmakers and seven piano accompanists.
A special silent tribute was held for fondly remembered and sorely missed departed former members and cherished friends, Mollie Czwerenchuk, who was a valued accompanist, and Zirka Doszchak, a renowned soprano soloist.
The 37 guests who attended the celebration included Perth’s Ukrainian Catholic parish priest Fr Wolodymyr Kalinecki, who is also a choir member.
Past and current choir members, their spouses and other guests who attended were treated to a video showcase of the choir’s performances and albums displaying photos of performances and a delicious smorgasbord of food, which was supported by the kind donation of Ivan Prymak’s catering raffle prize win.
Mrs Prushynsky said the Vesna choir always sang to demonstrate its love of the diverse and wonderful Ukrainian music.
She said the choir had also tackled songs that involved complicated and intricate choreographies, dancing and even rhythmic instruments at Perth events and eisteddfods, even winning first prize a few times, all without music or lyrics in front of them.
Vesna committee president Daria Majewski thanked Mrs Prushynsky on behalf of all Vesna members for her wonderful, steadfast dedication and enthusiastic and inspirational leadership, presenting her with a token of gratitude and appreciation.
After all present sang Mnohaya Litiya, the celebratory cake was cut. It was an enjoyable and successful event enlivened by pleasant reminisces and camaraderie.
The choir hopes to sing for as long as there are voices willing to celebrate the wonderful, lyrical and rousing Ukrainian national songs, lullabies, ballads and hymns.