The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC) returns to Cleveland on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center for the highly anticipated concert series dedicated to Ukraine’s foremost woman writer, Lesya Ukrainka.

“LESYA – Her Voice and Poetry Through Seven Strings” will feature a cultural ambassador of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, and a guest narrator. The UBC is led by Artistic Director and Conductor, Oleh Mahlay; a resident of the greater Cleveland area. For over 100 years, the UBC has been the guardian of the majestic 60-stringed musical instrument – the bandura. The UBC resettled to Detroit after WWII, and for over seven decades has toured the world. The bandura is an icon of Ukraine’s national identity, voice, and the bearer of its soul.

Considered the foremost woman writer in Ukrainian literature, the concert will feature Lesya’s words to newly arranged music for the performance ensemble of the UBC. Audiences will also hear an exclusive recording of Lesya’s voice from more than 100 years ago. Her poetry will be shared in both the English and Ukrainian languages at the concert through a multimedia presentation.

Collaborating with the UBC to present the concert is the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA). A portion of the net proceeds from the concert will be shared with the UNWLA to help humanitarian needs in Ukraine. For more information, visit www.bandura.org/events.