Soul of the Bandura: Music and Stories from Ukraine featuring Julian Kytasty
Hosted at the La Jolla Community Center
Join us for an evening with Julian Kytasty, whose playing of the bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument, evokes haunting memories of Russian and Soviet suppression of Ukrainian national identity. Julian’s singing of epic songs and his playing of free improvisations and modern world music blend tradition with innovation to reveal the bandura’s expressive depth.
Following the performance, we’ll invite you to take part in a Q&A session with Julian to gain insight into his creative process and the remarkable journey that has established him as a leading bandurist. The concert’s intimate setting will allow you to experience his rich, evocative soundscapes up close, creating a deep connection to Ukraine’s musical heritage and Julian’s unique artistry.
About the artist:
Julian Kytasty is a renowned instrumentalist and composer who has expanded the expressive possibilities of the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian plucked-string lute-zither with 50 or more strings. Born to a family of Ukrainian refugees in Detroit, Julian learned the bandura from his father and grandfather. Later, he moved to New York, where he became the artistic director of the New York School of Bandura. Julian’s work spans diverse genres, from ancient Ukrainian epic songs to electroacoustic projects, world music collaborations, and experimental theater. An active educator, he has led workshops and master classes worldwide, sharing his passion for the bandura with new generations.
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This programming is supported in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.
