The Canadian Bandurist Capella (Ukrainian: Капеля Бандуристів Канади) is a vocal-instrumental ensemble that combines the sounds of male choral singing with the orchestral accompaniment of the multi-stringed Ukrainian bandura. Originally established as "Toronto Bandurist Capella" in 2001, the ensemble has been performing under the name "Canadian Bandurist Capella" since 2004.[1][2] It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The ensemble was founded in 2001 as a male bandurist chorus under the name "Toronto Bandurist Capella". The original group was under the artistic direction of Victor Mishalow and included several instrumentalists from the Hryhory Kytasty Bandura Chorus, as well as choristers from various Ukrainian choirs in Toronto. The ensemble premiered at the Canadian National Exhibition on August 23, 2001, with 24 performers.
The group incorporated in 2003. In 2004 the ensemble officially changed its name to "Canadian Bandurist Capella" and released its first self-titled CD in June 2004.
During the first years the group performed in various cities across Ontario. The Capella's first concert outside of Ontario was in Montreal on March 27, 2004.
On May 21, 2006 the ensemble performed in Chicago, marking its first international performance. Later that year the Capella made its first visit to the Canadian Prairies by performing in Winnipeg, and in Dauphin, Manitoba at Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.
The group released its second CD titled "Грай Кобзарю!" (Play Kobzar!) with renown guest soloist Pavlo Hunka in the spring of 2008.
In 2009 the ensemble embraced a 'narrative performance style' that included musical numbers interspersed with stories and poems. This included programs such as "Слово Тараса" ("Word of Taras"), "Козацька Слава" ("Kozak Glory") and "Слава Героям УПА" ("Glory to Our Heroes UPA").
In 2013 Andriy Dmytrovych was appointed Artistic Director of the Capella. Under his direction, the group released its third CD (First Live Recording) "In Memory of Those Who Lost Their Lives on the Maidan".
1. "Canadian Bandurist Capella" (2004) 14 tracks
2. "Гpaй Кoбзapю!" (Play Kobzar!) (2008) 12 tracks
3. "In Memory of Those Who Lost Their Lives on the Maidan" (2014) 12 tracks
4. "Козацькому роду нема переводу" (Kozaks Forever) (2017) 12 tracks
5. "Коляда" (Koliada) (2017) 13 tracks
The current conductors of the ensemble are Pavlo Fondera and Vasyl Turianyn. Concertmaster is Borys Ostapienko. Julian Kytasty serves as a musical advisor of the Capella.
