Music

Release Date: 2000

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The soundtrack to Shumka's Cinderella will take you on a rewarding journey that puts folk dance and folk music back into the folk tale. The sounds and movements unique to each Ukrainian regional dance style, the poetry of folk melodies, the spirit of the rise of Ukrainian nobility, the vibrant paintbrush of the traditional village arts scene, and, the expressive energy of the European baroque period are the backdrop for Cinderella, Shumka-style! "Shumka’s remake of the fairy-tale classic is a mega dance spectacle that promises to do for Ukrainian folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish stepping… " and as every connoisseur of good dance knows, 50% of what you see is what you hear!

Everyone who encounters Cinderella is changed, and made richer in character for having met her. You, too, will become richer in spirit for having shared the experience of Shumka's Cinderella, through the music that is the soundscape to her story. This vibrant musical score of Ukraine's award-winning composer Yuri Shevchenko, is a triumphant celebration of the passion of music and dance. Yuri is acknowledged as one of the leading talents in the Ukrainian and classical music scene. Upon completion of his studies at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music, Yuri was adopted into the Partnership of Composers of Ukraine. Amongst his acknowledgements is the coveted national prize for Best Musical Composition of Theatre.

Classically trained in Ukraine, Yuri has a profound love of traditional folk music and is able to blend famililar melodies with new musical motifs. As a composer for theatre and film, he has an inherent understanding of music's power in enhancing a performance. Under the skilled baton of Serhiy Malovaney, this beautiful score was digitally recorded at the Dovzhenko Film Studio in Kyiv, with the 57-piece Kyiv City Symphony. The Kyiv City Symphony is comprised of members from the National Opera of Ukraine Orchestra and additional leading musicians in Kyiv.

For an authenticity of sound and character that is truly reflective of the Ukrainian spirit, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers work with Yuri Shevchenko to bring their spectacular dance theatre creations to life!

Release Date: 1995

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Shumka's 50 year tradition of creating original interpretations of traditional folk melodies began under the direction of Music Director Gene Zwozdesky.

Shumka continues to chart new musical courses with the commissioning of Yuri Shevchenko. Based in Kyiv, Yuri is acknowledged as on of the leading new talents in the Ukrainian classical and theatrical musical scene. Shevchenko studied at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in the Faculty of Music Composition. Upon completion of his studies, he was accepted into the Partnership of Composers of Ukraine and in 1991, was named Laureate of the Lesia Ukrainka Festival. In 1993 and 1994, he won coveted national prizes for Best Musical Composition for Theatre.

"My ambition was to make the different sections of the program all unique in style, technique and soul," says Yuri, " and at the same time, create a sense of unity."

Using digital audio technology, producer Michael Sulyma recorded the 52-piece Kiev City Symphony at the Dovzhenko File Studio in Kyiv, and mixed and editied the music at The Works Productions studio in Edmonton. The orchestra, specifically assembled to record the music for Shumka, included all the members of the Kyiv City Symphony supplemented by master players from the famed Virsky Ensemble.

"This experience will be left in my memory and in my heart for the rest of my life. I am thrilled that I am leaving part of my soul - my music - with Shumka." (Yuri Shevchenko)

Release Date: 1990

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Music from the Ukrainian Shumka dancers historical 1990 Ukraine tour - performed by the Kyiv State Chamber Orchestra.