SHEVCHENKO MUSICAL ENSEMBLE

The Shevchenko Musical Ensemble is a unique Canadian multicultural song and dance ensemble based in Toronto. Comprised of mandolin orchestra, mixed choir and folk dance troupe, the Ensemble counts its beginnings from the formation of the Shevchenko Male Chorus in 1951.

From its earliest days, the ensemble was more than a Ukrainian ensemble, including in its repertoire songs of other peoples, classical compositions, and Canadian folk and contemporary music. With members from many different ethnic backgrounds (Ukrainian, Russian, Jewish, Scottish, Dutch, German, Serbian, Macedonian, Italian, Hungarian, and more), the ensemble is as multicultural as its repertoire.

The Shevchenko Ensemble has performed across Canada, twice toured Ukraine, and has performed extensively throughout Ontario. It has presented concerts on stages such as Massey Hall, National Arts Centre, Ontario Place Forum, and Hamilton Place.

In 1972 a supportive body - the National Shevchenko Musical Ensemble Guild of Canada - was federally incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization to maintain the Ensemble on a permanent basis and further develop its artistic role in the community.

Today the Guild also sponsors the Shevchenko School of Performing Arts for children and youn people, offering classes in folk dance and mandolin instruction. The Guild also houses an extensive library of Ukrainian and other Slavic music and choreography which is open to the general public

The Shevchenko Choir and Orchestra are under the direction of Alexander Veprinsky, graduate of the Lviv State Conservatory in Ukraine; the Kaniv Dancers are directed by Andrei Pendik, graduate in both folk dance and ballet.