Bandura on Bloor - Christmas Special
Promoted by Toronto Bandura Festival
Event Description
Bandura on Bloor returns for a final time this year with a Christmas Special show at the Heliconian Hall! Featuring Ukrainian-Canadian bandura duet Banduralicious with performances from the Bandura Trio and a young rising star bandurist - Solomia Shevchuk!
Presented by the Toronto Bandura Festival, Bandura on Bloor is a musical concert series in Toronto showcasing solo bandura performers, small ensembles, and bands featuring the bandura. Join us for this delightful opportunity to spend your Friday evening with the magical sounds of the bandura in downtown Toronto!
This performance will be followed by a post-concert Christmas-themed reception for all the guests and performers.
Partial net proceeds from this concert will sponsor scholarships to the Litnia Zustrich Bandura Camp for Ukrainian children who have recently moved to Canada due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Friday, December 19, 2025
7:30 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Heliconian Hall
35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON
Performers
Banduralicious
Banduralicious is a musical project by two close friends, Oleksander and Borys, dedicated to reimagining the Ukrainian bandura for the modern world. Known for blending tradition with innovation, Banduralicious prepares a sonic cuisine by improvising popular melodies that span from timeless folk tunes to contemporary hits. Each performance is an exploration: improvisation brings spontaneity, while the selection of repertoire connects with audiences across generations and genres. Ready to stir the pot, Banduralicious is an invitation to hear the bandura in a fresh light and unmistakably tasty way, leaving you hungry for more!
Bandura Trio
Representing Vira Zelinska Bandura Capella “Zoloti Struny”, the Bandura Trio consists of young, talented bandurists Solomia Kosarenko, Solomia Shevchuk, and Daria Sulipka. In addition to playing as part of Zoloti Struny, the girls perform regularly as soloists and in duets, trios, and quartets. As a trio and individually, they are Platinum Award winners at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival and prizewinners at the Marta Krawciw-Barabash Ukrainian Music Festival in Toronto. The Trio is skilled in both instrumental and vocal music, performing a variety of genres and styles from classical to modern popular songs.
Solomia Shevchuk
Solomia Shevchuk, a young rising artist, has been playing bandura for 11 years, beginning her musical journey at the age of five. She studies under the guidance of her teacher, Oksana Zelinska-Shevchuk, an experienced bandura instructor, whose mentorship has helped shape her growth as a dedicated and expressive performer. Throughout her musical development, Solomia has participated in numerous competitions and festivals, earning recognition for her skill, achievements and commitment. Annually, she has competed successfully in the Kiwanis Music Festival and the Ukrainian Festival in Toronto, where her performances have been recognized with Platinum awards and top scholarships. With many years of experience and a strong passion for music, Solomia continues to refine her artistry and share her talent with her community.
Tickets
General Admission - Early Bird (Until Nov 24): $25.00 (+fees)
General Admission - Regular (After Nov 24): $35.00 (+fees)
General Admission - Discount (Seniors) (After Nov 24): $30.00 (+fees)
General Admission - Discount (Under-30) (After Nov 24): $30.00 (+fees)
General Admission - Under 12: Free (Reservation Required)
For tickets, visit:
https://www.showpass.com/bandura-on-bloor-dec19/
The Toronto Bandura Festival (TBF), established in December 2024, is a music festival devoted to growing the reputation and popularity of the bandura, supporting the development of talented bandurists, and promoting Ukrainian music, culture and identity in the Greater Toronto Area through the medium of bandura art.
For more information about the Toronto Bandura Festival, visit:
https://torontobandurafestival.ca/
or call (416) 845-2691
or email torontobandurafestival@gmail.com
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