Who we are
We believe the bandura is more than an instrument—it is a living symbol of Ukrainian identity, history, and culture. It carries the voice of generations, preserving traditions while evolving with the present.
BandurArts is a U.S. based nonprofit organization, recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, committed to preserving and promoting the BANDURA and the rich cultural traditions of Ukrainian music.
Our mission is to advance bandura music and art through performances, composition, learning initiatives, advocacy, and the empowerment of bandura players.
OUR TEAM
BandurArts was founded by Ostap Stakhiw, an honorable People's Artist of Ukraine, internationally acclaimed bandura artist and a leading figure in the preservation and evolution of bandura art. Revered for his mastery of the instrument and his commitment to cultural advocacy, Ostap Stakhiw has dedicated his life to elevating Ukrainian bandura, its music, culture and performance on the world stage. With decades of performance and teaching experience, he established BandurArts to create a dedicated home for the bandura community in the U.S. and abroad - one that promotes this unique instrument, supports Ukrainian tradition, and bring the sound of the bandura to audiences everywhere.
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
Performance is the living heartbeat of BandurArts. Through concerts, collaborations, and events, we bring the bandura to audiences across cultural and geographic boundaries. Our performances feature vast repertoires that highlight the instrument’s versatility and expressive power. We ensure that each performance is not only musically compelling but also culturally meaningful and position the bandura as a relevant voice in today’s music landscape.
COMPOSITION
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
At BandurArts, we actively cultivate new works that expand the instrument’s repertoire and push the boundaries of its artistic potential. By supporting and working with bandura composers and arranger-performers, we ensure that the bandura continues to grow as a dynamic and relevant voice in contemporary music. By investing in composition, we actively empower artists to discover new and ever-expanding repertoire.
Learning
Learning
Learning
Bandura learning and knowledge sharing is the foundation for sustaining and advancing the art of the bandura. At BandurArts we are committed to cultivating knowledge, skill, and curiosity through our learning initiatives. We leverage digital platforms to reach a global audience and connect bandura players worldwide. Our inclusive and supportive learning environment empowers individuals not only to play the bandura, but to become ambassadors of its tradition, history and culture.
ADVOCACY
Learning
Learning
Advocacy is essential to elevating the bandura’s visibility and cultural significance on a local and global stage. At BandurArts we actively champion the recognition of the bandura as both a Ukrainian historical treasure and a contemporary artistic force. Through partnerships and outreach initiatives, we work to increase awareness, appreciation, and support for the instrument and its community of artists. We engage with cultural and community organizations to ensure that the bandura is represented and recognized in broader artistic conversations.
EMPOWERNMENT
Empowering bandura players is at the heart of BandurArts’s mission. We create opportunities for bandura players to perform on professional stages, participate in collaborations, and engage with new audiences. By providing access to meaningful participation in our concerts, initiatives and connected community, we enable bandura players to reach their full artistic potential. Our commitment to empowerment also means encouraging them to explore new ideas, expand the repertoire, and redefine what the bandura can be. Through this work, we help cultivate not only skilled musicians, but confident voices who will shape the future of the bandura.