Montreal Ukrainian Festival Past Events
12th annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival Success
The 12th edition of the Montreal Ukrainian festival was enjoyed not only by the city’s Ukrainian community, but also by members of other ethnic communities in the greater Montreal region. In the audience, besides Ukrainian, one could hear French, English, Polish, Romanian, Russian and other languages being spoken. Those attending — and there were 15 thousand by some estimates — not only had a two-day non-stop concert to enjoy, but also had an opportunity to familiarise themselves with various kinds of Ukrainian folk arts and to purchase some as souvenirs. Embroidery as well as other products with folkloric patterns, books and recorded music enjoyed the greatest demand.
Visitors could not help but notice the different Ukrainian foods on sale; and once again varenyky with potato fillings were the most popular. Ukrainian beer from Lviv was the leading beverage on offer at the Festival, so much so that the stock ran out on the first day. That did not hamper the public’s enjoyment of the performing artists or of the two displays, one of fine arts and the other featuring historical material. Both exhibits celebrated the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. The fine arts exhibit was organised by the Association of Ukrainian artists of Canada. The historical exhibit was prepared by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta and dealt with Ukrainian pioneers on Canadian soil. This material was translated into French with assistance from the Canadian Shevchenko Foundation.
Among the VIPs visiting the Festival were three members of the House of Commons: Alexandre Boulerice, Francis Scarpaleggia and Ted Opitz. Mr. Opitz greeted the Festival on behalf of the Federal Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Jason Kenny. In her greetings, the Quebec Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, the Honourable Kathleen Weil, remarked upon the important role played by Ukrainians in Canada both in the past and today. Also addressing the Ukrainian community and others present were Gerald Tremblay, Mayor of Montreal, Louise Harel, Leader of the Opposition at Montreal City Council, as well as Rosemount Councillor Marc-Andre Gadouri. Ukraine was represented at the Festival by Chargé d’affaires Dr. Mykhaylo Khomenko, and by Second Secretary (political affairs) Denys Sienik, both from the Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa.
The Festival was also covered by Montreal’s mass media, with reports and live spots on CTV-TV and CJAD radio. The “Ukrainian Time” show on CFMB radio had a number of features touching on the Festival and the “Journal de Rosemont” published a report.
The Festival’s concert program featured a multitude of styles and performers. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, performers from various different provinces graced the Montreal stage: Ihor Bohdan (Calgary, Alberta), the “Tyt I Tam” band (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), and the “Lemon Bucket Orkestra”, the “Vesnianka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble”, the “Duo Mosaic”, and the “Zubrivka” folk band all from Ontario. Also among the invited guest performers was the “Syzokryli” dance troupe from New York City. Performances from local Montreal groups gave Festival visitors more to enjoy as their folk, classical and popular music and folk dancing provided continuous entertainment, thereby creating a truly festive atmosphere. Continuing the tradition of inviting performers from other ethnic communities, this year`s festival was enriched by terrific Polish and Moldovian dancing.
June 3rd Fundraiser 2011
The Annual Festival Fundraiser, held on June 3rd 2011 on the rooftop terrace of the EV Building at Concordia University, turned out to be a huge success and generated an enormous amount of positive feedback. Starting with a delightful cocktail, during which the guests had the opportunity to move between our indoor lounge area and our covered terrace as they were enjoying delicious appetisers, light music and great company.
The 11th floor's fashionably decorated terrace accommodated the attendees for dinner, which provided live engaging entertainment and breathtaking evening views of Downtown Montreal. To end the pleasant evening, exquisite desserts were served and the raffle prizes were drawn. In addition to providing a great opportunity to meet interesting people, the Fundraiser raised a significant amount of funds for the Festival that constantly continues to grow and attract bigger crowds.
The Saint Volodymyr Cultural Association of Montreal would like to thank everyone who attended, supported and contributed to the Annual Festival Fundraiser. With this year’s success, the next Fundraiser is already insight and ready to welcome many new guests!
“Let’s Sing Together in Canada” concert
“Let’s Sing Together in Canada”, the highly successful literary and musical commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, took place on March 6th, 2011 in the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM) hall. The program was packed with interesting numbers: musical works by B. Weselowsky and I. Sonevytsky, folk and contemporary songs, humourous pieces penned by M. Ponedilok and E. Kozak, dance numbers set to the Ukrainian-Canadian music from western Canada, and poetry written in Canada.
Spectators, who filled a good portion of the hall, had the opportunity to enjoy some performers who may have been already familiar to them and to discover some new ones — both amateur and professional. The performers were rewarded with warm and generous applause. The seamless two hour concert was followed by the now somewhat usual coffee and pampushky (Eastern European donuts).
All proceeds from the concert will be used by the St. Volodymyr Society to help fund the 12th annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival, which will be held at Parc de l’Ukraine in the Rosemount district from September 9th to 11th, 2011.
“Let’s Sing Together in Canada” concert Photo Gallery
11th annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival Success
The 11th edition of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival took place on the weekend of September 11th at Parc de l'Ukraine. There were more than 20 000 people in attendance who all enjoyed the best of the Montreal Ukrainian community’s traditions, performing arts and cuisine.
We thank the representatives of the government and city bodies for their valuable assistance, in particular: Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac St-Louis; Mr. Massimo Pacetti, Member of Parliament for Saint-Léonard / Saint-Michel; Mr. Agop Evereklian, federal conservative candidate for Pierrefonds-Dollard; Mr. Frantz Benjamin, city counselor for Saint-Michel; Madame Louise Beaudoin, députée de Rosemont; Madame Lise Zarac, Member of Parliament for LaSalle—Émard; Mr. Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Etobicoke Centre; Madame Kathleen Weil, Ministre de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles du Quebec; Madame Svetlana Litvin, attachée politique de la Ministre de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles; Mr. Nahed Koussa, advisor Citizenship and Immigration Canada; Mr. Taras Zalusky, executive director of UCC National; and Mrs. Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova President UCC Montreal.
Special thanks to Dr. Ihor Ostash, Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada who, during the festival, awarded Montrealer Taras Hukalo with a state award of Ukraine — Order of Merit in acknowledgement of his personal contribution in strengthening the international authority of Ukraine and promoting its historical heritage.
Thank you to all our volunteers, parteners and sponsors — all of you who provided the invaluable support for success this year!!
June 4th Fundraiser 2010
Dear Friends of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival,
On behalf of St Volodymyr Cultural Association, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for making the 11th annual fundraiser event in support of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival such an outstanding success! We was really delighted to see so many old friends and to make many new acquaintances.
Thanks to you, we were able to raise a significant amount of money to support our efforts in making the 11th edition of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival a success. Your contributions allow us to continue working towards our goal of promoting Ukraine’s traditions, culture, and history in Montreal.
We have listed on the site in our Friends of Festival section those organizations and individuals who have contributed to the festival. These contributions will ensure that the Montreal Ukrainian Festival continues to be an achievement in which the entire community can take pride.
Thank you once again for your continued support!
Alexandra Kindrat
VP Marketing and Media
St Volodymyr Cultural Association of Montreal
Family Fundraiser 2010
On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, St Volodymyr's held its first annual Family Fundraiser. The event was a huge success and was attended by many! The event, hosted by G. Harasymovych and S.Savchenko, started with a catered cocktail, followed by traditional Ukrainian music, poems by children of the A.Sheptycky Ukrainian School, children's vocal duo Mal'vy, young singers Mario Netak and Emilia Harasymovych, vocal duo Lesia Bobyk & Alexandr Biloshytskyj, and lively performances by Montreal's own Troyanda.
The perogy-making and eating contests were a lot of fun for everyone, as was the battle of sexes karaoke contest. We wish to thank our most generous sponsors and donors: CTV, Desjardins/Caisse Populaire Ukrainienne de Montreal, Supreme Pierogies, Rotisseries Scores, Le Boulevard Shopping Center, La Stanza Restaurant, Lava Speq, MEEST, Casa Grecque Restaurant, Zustrich, and GMS mecanique. Thank you to the chair of the event, Mrs. Daria Kozak, to all of our volunteers, and all of our attendees!
See you next year!
Alexandra Kindrat
VP Marketing and Media
St Volodymyr Cultural Association of Montreal
Family Fundraiser 2010 Photo Gallery
10th annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival a success!
Dear Friends of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival,
On behalf of St. Volodymyr Cultural Association, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for making the 10th annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival such an outstanding success! I was really delighted to see so many old friends and to make many new acquaintances.
Thanks to you, our sponsors, volunteers, contributors, and vendors, we were able to raise a significant amount of money to support our efforts in making the 10th edition of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival a success. Your contributions allow us to continue working towards our goal of promoting Ukraine's traditions, culture, and history in Montreal. These contributions will ensure that the Montreal Ukrainian Festival continues to be an achievement in which the entire community can take pride.
Thank you once again for your continued support!
Alexandra Kindrat
VP Marketing and Media
St Volodymyr Cultural Association of Montreal