Byzantine Glory – The Divine Liturgy
Byzantine Glory: The Divine Liturgy
Produced by: Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral Choir
Choral Director: Dr. John I. Mayba
Artistic Director: Mr. Ben Wasylyshen
Recording Engineer: Clive Perry, Perry Audio & Recording Ltd.
Recorded at the Cathedral 1997-1998
Choir Members
Sopranos: N. Dubenski, E. Juce, L. Krawchenko, N. Lebedin, J. Luchak, K. Luchak, O. Mischuk, S. Petrow, T. Rodionov, E. Salamon, A. Saranchuk, D. Smorang, M. Stanowych, E. Wasylyshen, N. Yarmie and Z. Zmiyiwsky
Tenors: W. Drewniak, Deacon A. Harkavy, B. Krawchuk, I. Maluzynsky, T. Osachuk, A. Pawluk, S. Radchuk, P. Shawarsky, M. Tarnawecky
Altos: P. Bugera, M. Gregorash, L. Horocholyn, A. Hryhor-Mosquin, P. Ignash, S. Kowalchuk, N. Krawchenko, L. Krawchuk, L. Lazarowich, S. Lebedin, H. Mayba, M. Panchuk, J. Radchuk, K. Romanyk, L. Shchudlo
Basses: M. Kortchevich, T. Luchak, P. Mayba, O. Morhun, R. Muzyka, M. Petrow, Deacon N. Polataiko, W. Saranchuk, B. Wasylyshen
About the Choir
The concept of establishing the Metropolitan's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral for all Canada began in the 1940's through the vision of many Ukrainian Orthodox faithful across the country.
Through the hard work, effort and prayers of clergy and laity alike, this dream came to fruition. In 1946, the Parish of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral was founded and established in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Simultaneously, the Cathedral Choir was born under the direction of Mr. Walter V. Bohonos. He continued his tenure until 1993. During these many decades the choir participated in significant religious events, commemorations, and radio recordings for the CBC.
In 1993 with the retirement of Mr. Bohonos, Dr. John Mayba continued the glorious choral tradition of Ukrainian Orthodox Sacred Music with the Cathedral Choir. With the commitment of 50 members, the Choir sang weekly liturgies. They also frequently appeared on radio and television broadcasts while developing new repertoire for its recordings.
Hymns and chants in the Ukrainian Orthodox Divine Liturgy are replete with both solemn and festive emotions reflected in the music. Historically, the music has its roots in ancient Byzantine songs and chants, that came to Ukraine from Constantinople at the time of the Christianization of Kyvian-Rus (Ukraine) by Saint Volodymyr in 988.
Over the following centuries Byzantine music was modified under Ukrainian folk influences and later Western influences. This made the music larger in scope, more melodious and ornamented. Eventually, harmonies evolved that added to the complexity of the music.
Some of the more influential composers were: Dymytro Bortniansky / Dmitry Bortniansky, Artem Vedel / Artemy Vedel, Mykola Leontovych and Petro Honcharov (aka Pyotr Grigorievich Goncharov). (Click or tap on their names below to learn more about each composer; duplicate names link to different information sources).
External Links
- Metropolitan Cathedral website
- Holy Trinity Metropolitan Cathedral history
- Dymytro Bortniansky | Dmitry Bortniansky
- Artem Vedel | Artemy Vedel
- Mykola Leontovych | Mykola Leontovych
- Pyotr Grigorievich Goncharov
Source: CD Brochure
