Christmas with Bandura in BEllevue, WA

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Ostap Stakhiw is a renowned Ukrainian bandurist and recipient of the prestigious title National Artist of Ukraine, awarded by the Ukrainian government for his exceptional contributions to the development of the performing arts.

Mr. Stakhiw began his professional career in 1981 as a soloist with the Lviv Philharmonic and as a member of the “Vatra” vocal-instrumental ensemble. In 1985, he became the leader and soloist of the “Drymba” folk ensemble at the Lviv Philharmonic. Three years later, in 1988, he founded and directed the “Folklore Theater of Ostap Stakhiw” in Lviv.

Since 1989, Mr. Stakhiw has also been a highly respected educator, teaching bandura and vocal performance at the Lviv State Conservatory named after Mykola Lysenko. Between 1988 and 1991, he created and performed a series of original theatrical concert programs, including “Play, My Bandura” and “Hey, Cosacks of Sich”.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Ostap Stakhiw has proudly represented Ukraine on international stages across Europe and Asia. In 1992, he was awarded the title Honored Artist of Ukraine and conducted a major concert tour across the United States and Canada. In 2001, he performed at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, where he won gold and silver medals for vocal performance and bandura artistry. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Stakhiw served as the National Director of the Ukrainian delegation to WCOPA in Los Angeles (Hollywood). In 2011, he was awarded the Jubilee Medal for “20 Years of Independence of Ukraine” in honor of his continued cultural contributions.

A pioneer in bridging tradition with modernity, Mr. Stakhiw has spent decades reimagining classic Ukrainian folk melodies. In 2007, he founded an orchestra of modern folk music, known for programs such as “Christmas in Lviv”, “Spirit of Ukraine”, and innovative instrumental interpretations of carols and traditional songs.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Stakhiw has been featured in numerous films and video productions. He also recorded a collection of Ukrainian folk songs on the bandura for the “Golden Reserve of Ukraine” - a lasting contribution to the preservation and celebration of Ukrainian musical heritage. As active musical figure, musicologist, and bandurist, Ostap Stakhiw is a jury member of numerous festivals and competitions. Mr. Stakhiw is a main founder of BandurArts, a charitable organization committed to promoting and preserving the art of the bandura and supporting the next generation of Ukrainian musicians.

Solomia Stahiv is a Ukrainian musician and accomplished bandura player. A graduate of the bandura and piano studies in Lviv, she began her musical journey at an early age, joining the National Bandura Ensemble “Zoryanytsia” under the direction of Honored Artist of Ukraine, Zinovia Sychak. In addition to her work with the ensemble, Solomia performed as a soloist in various genres and collaborated with a range of choirs and musical groups, further developing her artistry and versatility.

Now based in North America, Solomia continues to share her deep passion for Ukrainian music as a solo bandura performer and a member of the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America. She performs across the United States and Canada, captivating audiences with a unique blend of traditional and modern styles on the bandura. Through her performances, Solomia promotes Ukrainian culture, highlighting the instrument’s versatility and its deep cultural roots.

Solomia is also the co-founder of BandurArts, a charitable organization committed to promoting and preserving the art of the bandura and supporting the next generation of Ukrainian musicians.