Elgin Symphony Orchestra Presents The Chicago Bandura Ensemble in a concert honoring Ukraine
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, nearly three years to the day that Ukraine was invaded by Russia, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present The Chicago Bandura Ensemble in a concert honoring the resilience and culture of the Ukrainian people. “Melodies of Resilience” will be held at 3 p.m. at Journey of Hope United Methodist Church, 37W040 W Highland Avenue in Elgin, Ill.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students, and are available on our website or by calling the ESO Box Office at 847-888-4000. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With a centuries old and storied history, the bandura is the instrument that most deeply resonates with the voice and soul of Ukraine. A traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, it gracefully blends elements of the zither and the lute. The bandura’s development closely reflects the history of the Ukrainian nation and is considered to be the national instrument of Ukraine.
“The ESO Presents series showcases a variety of live small-ensemble music experiences,” said Marc Thayer, CEO, of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “We are honored to bring The Chicago Bandura Ensemble to share the musical and cultural history of Ukraine with our community.”
The all-female Chicago Bandura Ensemble includes Motria Poshyvanyk Caudill, Alina Chemerys, Vera Ivantsiv, Lesya Klimchenko, Yana Matsevych, Khrystyna Musiy, and Oksana Rodak, who will share their talents in a concert that honors the resilience of the Ukrainian people through the power of music in a versatile modern and traditional repertoire for bandura and voice.
The Ensemble has extensively performed in many prestigious venues in Chicago and neighboring states. Its members are especially dedicated to organizing and supporting numerous charity concerts. Every ensemble member is driven by their passion for the bandura and Ukrainian musical tradition, maintaining important cultural motifs while expanding the bandura’s direction as an instrument.