Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland School of Bandura

Congratulations to Maksym Mahlay for being recognized by the Ukrainian World Congress in their "30 Under 30" list - an award that recognizes young leaders who are driving positive change within their communities every day, actively supporting Ukraine on the international stage, and shaping the future of the global Ukrainian community.

Maksym is a musician, composer and researcher of Ukrainian musical heritage at the University of Cincinnati, founder of educational projects on bandura and Ukrainian classical music.

Learn more about the award here: https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/ukrainian-world-congress-announces-30-under-30-award-laureates/

Sign up for Kobzars'ka Sich this summer!

Registration Open for Kobzarska Sich – Ukrainian Bandura and Music Camp З 26 липня до 8 серпня в оселі «Всіх Святих» у штаті Пенсильванія триватиме літня програма “Кобзарська Січ” – унікальний простір для вивчення бандури, українськог....

If you missed the first two lectures, we have two more coming up! Our instructor Kyrylo Mahlay will once again be presenting about Hnat Khotkevych and the Kharkiv bandura this month. They are free and open to the public.

• Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM – Cuyahoga County Public Library North Royalton Branch
Details here: https://attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/16105314
• Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 PM – Lakewood Public Library
Details here: https://www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/event/the-life-of-hnat-khotkevych-and-the-bandura/

These presentations are made possible through a Traditional Arts grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

All are invited to our annual bandura recital next week!

📅 Wednesday, May 13
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 St. Vladimir UOC Cultural Center

Earlier this month, our instructor Kyrylo Mahlay presented at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives on Hnat Khotkevych and the Kharkiv bandura.

This presentation for the public was made possible by a Traditional Arts grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Stay tuned for details about future presentations in the coming months!

What a great testimonial from one of our very own! Interested in being a music instructor or cabin counselor at Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp this summer? Apply here: www.banduracamp.org/staffapplications

Join our team for Kobzarska Sich 2026! 🎶✨

We’re looking for passionate individuals to be part of an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance—applications close April 1st!

Apply here: https://www.banduracamp.org/staffapplications

On March 8, the Cleveland Ukrainian community gathered to commemorate Taras Shevchenko, organized by the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio.

Our school performed the piece "Chyhyryne, Chyhyryne" (words by T. Shevchenko, music by M. Mahlay). Based on a poem in which Shevchenko addresses the historic Cossack capital, it is a lament for Ukraine’s lost freedom and a reflection on the fate of the nation.

Thank you to Maksym Mahlay for arranging this piece for our students, to Kateryna Myronyuk for directing the group, and to Sophia Schidowka for singing the solo.

📷: Oleh Mahlay

Join us this weekend for a special performance and presentation: "Hnat Khotkevych and the Kharkiv Bandura".

Instructor Kyrylo Mahlay will share the history and music of Hnat Khotkevych and the Kharkiv style of playing. Kyrylo is a 2025 recipient of a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

📅 Saturday, March 14
🕓 2:45 PM
📍 Ukrainian Museum-Archives

📅 Sunday, March 14
🕓 1:00 PM
📍 Saint Vladimir UOC Cultural Center

Last month, our school had the opportunity to perform at the Cleveland Institute of Music's Mixon Hall for a Celebration of Peace: Music for Ukraine—an evening of Ukrainian song, dance, and poetry.

Thank you to Dr. Grace Betry, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Case Western Reserve University for organizing, hosting, and supporting this event.

📷: Olesia Golub Photography