The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York was established in 1949 as a male chorus by Ukrainians who escaped from the oppression and terror of the Soviet regime. The name comes from the Ukrainian word “dumka,” which translates to thought, and “duma,” a form of epic folk song that originated in Ukraine in the 16th century. The founders of this vocal ensemble sought to preserve and cultivate the rich secular and sacred musical heritage of Ukraine. In 1959, “Dumka” became a mixed chorus allowing them to expand their repertoire. Their musical library includes over 400 works from Ukrainian composers, as well as many western composers. Since its inception, the chorus has performed concerts at Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. “Dumka” sings annual Christmas concerts at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. The chorus has also performed across Ukraine and other European countries as well as in several cities in The United States.
“Dumka” appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, in February 2022 singing “Prayer for Ukraine”. The chorus has been invited to dozens of venues to represent the culture of Ukraine through the performance of beautiful secular and sacred music, while raising awareness and relief funds to support the people of Ukraine. In August 2022, “Dumka’’ performed at the opening ceremonies of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium singing “One Moment In Time”.
The members of The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of NY are honored to continue serving the community, through broadening and cultivating the music from its native land. Since 1991, “Dumka” has performed under the direction of Vasyl Hrechynsky.
September 10 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Killing the Silence: A Concert for Ukraine
Vasyl Hrechynsky: Director
Vasyl Hrechynsky was born in Ukraine. He studied at the Kolessa Music Pedagogic School in Lviv, where he was awarded a teaching diploma in musical instruction and voice. He holds a degree in conducting and choral music from the M. Lysenko Conservatory in Lviv, Ukraine. Vasyl Hrechynsky also completed advanced studies in conducting at the Moscow conservatory and received a Master of Music degree from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in New Jersey. Upon completion of his studies in Ukraine, the Lviv Conservatory retained Vasyl Hrechynsky as a member of the conducting department at the Conservatory. In addition to being involved as a conductor with many choirs in Lviv, he was also Choirmaster at the Lviv Theater of Opera and Ballet.
Since arriving in the USA in 1991, Vasyl Hrechynsky has led the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of NY. During his tenure, the chorus has performed in major concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Newark Symphony Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the United Nations, as well as a recent appearance on the SNL show and at the US OPEN Tennis Tournament.