The Music!

Swamperella

Swamperella is not only Canada’s own Cajun/Zydeco band w 25 years under their shiny belts - Swamperella is an experience!
What puts the swamp into Swamperella?
Driving accordions -Gutsy fiddling- Sultry vocals and a Killer rhythm section that pumps out a ’cant sit still ’ authentic Cajun / Zydeco groove.

Whether acoustically, at back porch b b q s, street parties or in barns, or plugged in for large festival stages and massive corporate events, Swamperella will captivate audiences with infectious rhythms and impassioned melodies. Since 1997 Swamperella is known for spreading the Cajun/ Zydeco Gospel, both traditional and homegrown, all over Canada. The band has shared performances with notable trad. greats such as Tracy Scwartz and Louisiana’s own Mamou Playboys as well having been accompanied by The Niagara Symphony Orchestra!

With authentic pride in the Cajun and Zydeco tradition, Swamperella’s heart felt vibe and magnetic dance grooves, deliver unforgettable performances.

The hallmark of a Swamperella event is Fun! Fun! Fun!...and of course those enthusiastic crowds, big or small, that can’t help but bust out their dance moves!

Tymish Koznarsky Jazz Quartet

Tymish Koznarsky is an award-winning jazz saxophonist hailing from Toronto, Canada. He frequently performs at top venues in the city’s top venues such as the Jazz Bistro, the Rex Jazz and Blues Bar, and the Jazz Room, both as a sideman and bandleader of the Tymish Koznarsky Quintet. Tymish has collaborated, recorded, and studied with internationally acclaimed artists, including Kirk Macdonald, Harold Mabern, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kiya Tabassian, Lorne Lofsky, Mike Downes, and Pat LaBarbera and he was a featured soloist on Caity Gyorgy’s Juno award-winning album “Featuring.”

Accolades for his work include the Lou Williamson Woodwind Scholarship Award, The Lionel C. Wooster Award, the Kira Payne Memorial Bursary, the Greg Wells Scholarship, and selection for Canada’s prestigious National Youth Jazz Combo in 2019, a pivotal experience that set him on the path to a professional career. As a recent recipient of the Intercultural and Creative Music Fellowship, he was commissioned to compose music for the Aga Khan Museum alongside his fellow collaborators. Tymish is currently working on his debut album, which is on pace to be released in early 2026.

Sing With Ukraine

Sing with Ukraine is a grassroots effort by Eastern European artists, started after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24th. What began as a gathering of friends processing grief together through song, has now become a journey and resistance effort through Toronto’s bars and music venues. We interrupt the pre-scheduled programming to celebrate Ukrainian identity, to show the humanity and culture of those affected, and to awaken ourselves and our city from indifference.

SVI Student Group

The SVI Students Group is a grassroots initiative formed by students residing at St. Volodymyr Institute who share a deep connection to Ukraine. Some of the students at the University of Toronto are Ukrainian-Canadians, while others arrived in Canada after the full-scale invasion to continue their education.

As volunteers, they unite their voices to showcase the depth and richness of Ukrainian culture. Through music, they aim to preserve their heritage, raise awareness, and contribute to fundraising efforts that provide vital support to those affected by the war.

Organized by Women for Ukrainian Solidarity

We are a group of students, educators, artists, and community leaders in Toronto.
We are Marusya Bociurkiw, Marta Baziuk, Oksana Hawrylak, Violetta Petrova, Halyna Perun, Annie Boss, Kate Kostyshyn, Yuliia Strokan, Sofiia Halchenko, Vira Votchenikova, Halya Moroz, and more.

Bandura on Bloor opens its inaugural concert season with a performance featuring Ukrainian-American bandurist and soprano Teryn Kytasty Kuzma and Toronto-based bandurist Yarko Antonevych.

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 reception for all the guests and performers.

All net proceeds from this event will be donated to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

Friday, March 21, 2025
7:30 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Heliconian Hall

Tickets
General Early Bird (Until Feb 21): $25.00 (+fees)
General Regular (After Feb 21): $35.00 (+fees)
35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON

For tickets and info visit:
https://torontobandurafestival.ca/events/bandura-on-bloor/march-21/

Lemon Bucket Orkestra. 15 years. A party. THE PARTY.

For 15 years, Lemon Bucket Orkestra has been belting out folked-up ballads through busted megaphones. They've brought their electrifying energy to parks and street corners, festivals and dive bars, performing arts centres and raves.

Never ones to shy away from celebration, they're bringing the full LBO experience to The Great Hall—one of Toronto’s most legendary venues. Over the years, they’ve rocked weddings, fashion shows, EDM parties, headlining shows, and even staged an immersive folk opera there (for those who know, they know).

This will be an unforgettable night. Voices will rise in songs sung arm in arm, in languages that may be unfamiliar. Fists will punch the sky until the gray clouds cower—the signature Lemon Bucket workout. The kolo will spiral out of control. Movement will be relentless, driven by the music, until satisfaction is undeniable. And when it’s over, the energy will spill into the streets with cries of peace, peace, peace...

And perhaps, there will be some special guests.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
7:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts 27 Front Street East Toronto, ON, M5E 1B4 Canada (map)

Illia Ovcharenko, just entering his twenties, is captivating audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent. His passion for the piano revealed itself at the age of 6, inspired by his first concert experience. Growing up in Ukraine, Illia dedicated himself to his musical aspirations, undertaking studies in Kyiv and Tel Aviv to refine his artistry.

His career soared to new heights following his victory at the esteemed 2022 Honens International Piano Competition, renowned for its celebration of the Complete Pianist. Illia's magnetic presence and profound musicality immediately resonated with Toronto audiences during his debut with the TSO in November 2023.

See more details

Stand With Ukraine

February 24 marks the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a year that has tested the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people. Every day, Ukraine’s defenders stand on the front lines, protecting their nation’s sovereignty and freedom.

As we reflect on this somber milestone, we honour the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering dedication of those who continue to fight for Ukraine’s future.

Join us in standing with Ukraine and showing support for its people. Together, we remain united in hope and determination for peace and victory.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

Photo: Illustration by Natalie Very B

Join us as we mark a solemn yet resilient moment in our history.

On February 23rd, we gather to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering unity and determination to stand with Ukraine until victory is achieved.

Together, let us honor the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Your presence and support are crucial as we amplify our voices for peace, justice, and a free Ukraine.

Let's show the world that our resolve remains unbreakable.

Together, we stand with Ukraine!

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Приєднуйтеся до нас, щоб вшанувати цей скорботний, але водночас незламний момент нашої історії.

23 лютого ми зберемося, щоб вшанувати третю річницю повномасштабного вторгнення росії в Україну.

Цей день є потужним нагадуванням про нашу незламну єдність і рішучість стояти з Україною до самої перемоги.

Разом вшануймо мужність і стійкість українського народу.

Ваша присутність і підтримка є надзвичайно важливими, адже ми підсилюємо наш голос за мир, справедливість і вільну Україну.

Покажімо світу, що наша рішучість є незламною.

Разом ми стоїмо з Україною!

See latest updated on the UCC Toronto FB page

On February 20, St. Volodymyr Institute honours the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred (Небесна Сотня), remembering those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom during the Revolution of Dignity.

A decade ago, Ukrainians stood united on the Maidan (Independence Square) in Kyiv, defending their rights and rejecting authoritarian rule. The response was brutal: over 100 individuals were killed between February 18-20, 2014. Today, they are remembered as the Heavenly Hundred – Небесна Сотня – whose sacrifice remains a powerful reminder of the courage required to protect liberty. Вічная Пам’ять.

As we approach February 24, marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, St. Volodymyr Institute invites our community to reflect on these sacrifices and come together in solidarity with Ukraine. Let us honour their memory.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!

З днем Герба України!
Happy State Symbol Day, Ukraine!

Today, we celebrate the Trident (tryzub), a powerful symbol of Ukraine’s history, heritage, and unity. It’s also the inspiration behind our logo!

Presented by St. Volodymyr Institute and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch

To commemorate three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, St. Volodymyr Institute and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch present Three Years: Ukraine Illustrated, an exhibition featuring eleven artworks from Ukraine Illustrated. Originally displayed as a window exhibition in 2022, this collection was created in response to Russia’s ongoing hybrid war against Ukraine.

Now on view in the Art Exhibit and Meeting Room at SVI, these works highlight the power of visual storytelling in times of war. The featured posters are by Pictoric, a Kyiv-based illustration collective of Ukrainian illustrators, graphic designers, and artists. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Pictoric has created and gathered illustrations, posters, and comics that document Ukraine’s reality, counter disinformation, and rally global support for freedom and democracy.

This exhibition is also on display in March, highlighting women illustrators in recognition of International Women’s Month and promoting the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian women artists.

Join us for this award-winning Ukrainian documentary that reveals the stark cruelty of war through intercepted conversations between Russian soldiers and their families. These intercepted calls trace a chilling journey: from soldiers' beliefs shaped by Russian propaganda to their frank admissions of looting and war crimes — laying bare the dehumanizing power of Russian aggression.

Make sure to stay for the Q&A with director Oksana Karpovych following the screening.

Watch trailer / Дивись трейлер: ► https://vimeo.com/1024436487

Спеціальний показ за участі режисерки Оксани Карпович відбудеться 7 лютого в кінотеатрі Cineplex Cinema Yonge-Dundas.

Перехоплені дзвінки російських солдатів розкривають жорстоку реальність війни. У поєднанні зі сценами українського опору ці записи показують шлях від пропагандистських ілюзій до розчарування, мародерства та воєнних злочинів, оголюючи дегуманізуючу природу російської агресії.

Ready to turn your career into a force for change? Canada-Ukraine Foundation is seeking passionate changemakers to join our mission! Join our passionate team as a Projects Administrator or Marketing & Communications Manager. Be part of an organization where your skills directly impact communities in need.

Ready to make real change happen?

Learn more and apply at CUFOUNDATION.CA/CAREERS

Last Day to Apply for for the 2025-26 Temerty Post-doctoral Fellow in Holodomor Studies

CIUS’s Holodomor Research and Education Consortium - HREC is looking for the 2025-26 Temerty Post-doctoral Fellow in Holodomor Studies.

This fellowship supports the study of and expansion of knowledge about the Holodomor. Applications are welcome from scholars in disciplines including but not confined to history, political science, anthropology, sociology, and literature, as well as famine studies, genocide studies, and rural studies. Interdisciplinary and comparative projects will be considered. This competition is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign nationals.

For more information: https://www.ualberta.ca/.../post-doctoral-fellowships.html

Today is the last day of Koliada: Ukrainian Winter Festive Art from the SVI Collection

This winter, we are excited to showcase Koliada: Ukrainian Winter Festive Art from the SVI Collection, a celebration of Ukrainian culture through art. The SVI art collection has grown over six decades, collected as gifts from the artists, donations, and purchases, and now features a range of paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect Ukrainian life, traditions, and the natural world.

This special exhibit highlights the festive spirit of Ukrainian winter traditions, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Yaroslawa Surmach and Vladimir Strelnikov, alongside traditional crafts that embody the warmth, beauty, and joy of the season.

Koliada invites you to experience the enduring legacy of Ukrainian festive traditions through the lens of visual art.

From the UofT Ukrainian Students Club:
Друзі! With the start of the new semester, we thought it would be nice to see everyone and socialize through pub nights! The first one being this upcoming Thursday, January 30th, at 6pm! This week we will be meeting at the Village Idiot Pub, 126 McCaul St!
Join us and don’t forget to bring a friend:)
Hope to see you all soon!!
До зустрічі!!

Find out more

We are excited to announce a discussion of the book “How to Understand Ukrainians: A Cross-Cultural Perspective” by Maryna Starodubska, who will be joining us for the event. Maryna is an Adjunct Professor at Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and a Consultant at TLFRD.com. This insightful work provides a sociological view into the Ukrainian mentality, tackling thought-provoking questions such as why Ukrainians distrust government authorities but often follow advice from pseudo-experts, and whether corruption in Ukraine is truly inescapable.

While the book is in Ukrainian, our conversation will be held in English, focusing on how the insights can be applied to both individual and organizational settings in North America. We will explore how understanding these cross-cultural dynamics can benefit teams and organizations navigating diverse cultural landscapes.

Join us as we delve into Marina’s analysis of Ukrainian national culture, breaking free from harmful stereotypes and uncovering how these lessons can be relevant in a global context.

All proceeds from registration for this event will support the Canada Ukraine Foundation (CUF) Winter Campaign.

Canadian winter is a beautiful sight. Across the ocean, Ukrainians are heading into another winter without electricity, heat and water, as Russia continues targeting Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, leaving millions in the cold and darkness.

Let’s help the people of Ukraine cover their essential needs amid the cold winter months.

Don’t have the book yet?

CIUS's Holodomor Research and Education Consortium - HREC announces the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀.

The Conquest Prize for Contribution to Holodomor Studies is awarded on a biennial basis to the author of an outstanding article that contributes to a fuller understanding of the Holodomor. A jury of eminent specialists is assembled to determine the winner of the $2500 CAD prize. The Conquest Prize honours historian Robert Conquest, author of the groundbreaking work The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine, which marked a watershed in the study of the Holodomor at the time of its publication in 1986.

ABOUT ROBERT CONQUEST

The Robert Conquest Prize honours historian Robert Conquest, author of the groundbreaking work The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine. Published in 1986, Harvest of Sorrow marked a watershed in the study of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-33. Dr. Conquest’s comprehensive treatment addressed the role of Communist ideology and its relationship to the peasantry, collectivization policy and implementation, the deportation of kulaks, issues of nationality and religion in the Soviet Union, and the role of Stalin in the Famine. Dr. Conquest described the failure of the West to respond to reports of the Famine and assigned culpability to Stalin and his regime for setting impossibly high grain requisitions, seizing foodstuffs, preventing the starving from seeking food elsewhere, and covering up the crime. Based on eyewitness testimonies, his analysis and conclusions were corroborated by Soviet archival materials that became accessible with the collapse of the USSR.

Harvest of Sorrow sparked debates in academic and political circles and ensured widespread awareness of the Holodomor. In a legacy marked by achievement, Harvest of Sorrow is certainly one of Robert Conquest’s greatest accompl

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 CONQUEST  PRIZE 

Eligibility:

Nominated articles must have been published in English, in print or in an online publication, between September 30, 2022, and the submission deadline, which is January 20, 2025.

Articles published in English translation are eligible.

Nominations may be submitted by the author, editor, publisher, or colleagues.

Please send the following items as attachments to hrec@ualberta.ca using the subject line Conquest Prize submission:

1) Completed APPLICATION FORM 

2) PDF of the article

3) CV of the author

4) Abstract of the article (in English, max. one page)

Holiday Closure Notice

St. Volodymyr Institute will be closed Christmas Day (Julian Calendar) + Epiphany.

We hope you have a festive and enjoyable holiday!

Friday, December 13 • 2:30 PM | 9:45 PM
Saturday, December 14 • 3:45 PM
Sunday, December 15 • 7:40 PM
Tuesday, December 17 • 5:20 PM

The Annual General Meeting of the membership of St. Volodymyr Institute is Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

This meeting is online only.

Details will be sent out to members.

Click here to renew your membership.

Have you started a Ukrainian textile project, like a sorochka or a rushnyk, but need more guidance to bring it to life? Or are you already familiar with textile work and eager to start something new? Join the Ukrainian Textile Club, presented by Myroslava Boikiv, St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI), and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch. This club offers a hands-on, supportive environment where you can work on your traditional textile projects using authentic techniques. With Myroslava’s mentorship, you'll deepen your skills in sewing, embroidery, and weaving while connecting with others who share a passion for Ukrainian textile arts. Future workshops may also be introduced to welcome more members into our club.

Please note that the club's language will primarily be Ukrainian.

The club will continue to meet every second Wednesday, providing ongoing support for your textile projects.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing Myroslava at myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com

Myroslava Boikiv, a Ukrainian textile and watercolour artist based in Toronto, draws deeply from her upbringing in Kovalivka, a village nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Inspired by the rich rural and traditional Ukrainian culture of her youth, she now navigates the urban landscape of Toronto while maintaining a profound connection to her roots. Despite challenges imposed by the Soviet system's suppression of language, history, and culture, Myroslava's art serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Ukrainian identity.

With a background as an art restorer at the National Museum of Hutsulshchyna & Pokuttia Folk Art and as the curator of the Pysanka Museum in Kolomyia, she brings a wealth of experience in preserving and promoting Ukrainian folk art. Her artworks have been displayed in galleries and museums across Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and Canada, with pieces in private collections worldwide.

Suggested payment: $30 per session
Register by emailing:myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com
E-transfers to myroslavaboikiv@gmail.com or cash when you arrive

EXHIBIT OF PAINTINGS BY ALEXANDER MOTYL

December 9, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Open 10:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday

Alexander Motyl is a painter, writer, and professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark and author of 11 novels, two collections of poetry, and eight academic books.

His artwork has been shown in several large cities in the U.S.A. and Canada and is part of the permanent collection of the Ukrainian Museum, New York, U.S.A. and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Winnipeg.

Find out more at www.ucrdc.org

This winter, we are excited to showcase Koliada: Ukrainian Winter Festive Art from the SVI Collection, a celebration of Ukrainian culture through art. The SVI art collection has grown over six decades, collected as gifts from the artists, donations, and purchases, and now features a range of paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect Ukrainian life, traditions, and the natural world.

This special exhibit highlights the festive spirit of Ukrainian winter traditions, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Yaroslawa Surmach and Vladimir Strelnikov, alongside traditional crafts that embody the warmth, beauty, and joy of the season.

Koliada invites you to experience the enduring legacy of Ukrainian festive traditions through the lens of visual art.

SAVE THE DATE

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, a time to support causes that make a difference in our communities. On Tuesday, December 3, SVI invites you to an initiative celebrating the richness of Ukrainian culture and heritage.