Мальви, ансамбль (Чикаго, США)

by Marta Kolomayets

KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Although the Soyuzivka season officially got under way June 30. the weekend of July 7-8 had an opening day feel as guests crowded to the UNA’s Catskill resort for the season’s first tennis tournament and a concert featuring the popular Malvy group.

Guests also came — many from distant parts of the United States and Canada — to enjoy the scenic landscapes, the slice of Ukrainian spice, the exciting entertainment, the culinary talents of Chef Andriy, the helpful hand of the new management and the resort’s cordial atmosphere.

Over the past several years, the clientele at Soyuzivka has been varied. Many of the guests were once workers at the resort and return on nostalgic trips back to Suzy-Q, as it has been affectionately called. Others, who dwell in crowded cities throughout the year, find a stay at Soyuzivka to be a relaxing way to spend a week or two surrounded by nature. Still others come, for Soyuzivka is what they call «their second home.»

Malvy perform

This particular Saturday evening. July 7, the second Saturday of the summer season, guests ai Soyuzivka were entertained by the Malvy Ensemble, a vocal-instrumental group from Chicago, which performed a variety of songs, mostly from their newly released album, «Malvy.»

The trio of singers, Marijka Banach, Myroslawa Basarab and Marijka Hawryluk-Gordon, are no strangers to the Soyuzivka stage, having performed here previously in the summer of 1982. The musicians for the group are «pooled from the best in Chicago,» according to the trio. For this particular performance, assisting the singers were: Nadia Sawyn on piano, Volodymyr Popowych on drums, Mark Murskyj on bass guitar, George Pawlyk on rhythm guitar and John Szalewa on sound boards.

The group performed such songs as «I will always love you,» «Oh, Ivane,» (which was dedicated to all «Ivans» in the audience in celebration of the feast of Ivana Kupala), «The Embroidery,» «The Horses,» «I will Paint the Wind,» — all selections from their album. During their two-part program, they got the audience of 250 to clap their hands, tap their feel and even sing along with them. Their last number. «My Heart is laughing,» with music by O. Zuyev and lyrics by the group’s musical director. Ms. Hawryluk-Gordon. was performed in a rag-time beat.

According to the three singers, who by profession are a registered nurse (Ms. Banach). a program coordinator for the chairman of the board of a prestigious Chicago bank (Ms. Basarab) and a manager of publications at a research institute (Ms, Hawryluk-Gordon) music is their love. So. they spend about 10-12 hours a week practicing their repertoire. The group has existed since late 1980. The musical directors, Ms. Hawryluk-Gordon and Paul Goncharoff search out new, original material from various sources, including a bookstore in Edmonton, in order to create a unique, vibrant sound for the ensemble.

«We’re willing to take chances with our music,» said Ms. Hawryluk-Gordon.

The chances taken during the Saturday evening performance were well received as the audience responded to the mellifluous sounds with warm applause.

Also greeted with hearty applause was accordionist Alex Chudolij, who entertained the audience between the two-part Malvy show. Mr. Chudolij, a familiar face to Soyuzivka guests, first as a worker and member of the house band and later as the accordionist in the Alex and Dorko Band, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering at Tufts University. However, he finds time to venture back to the Soyuzivka stage. The accomplished accordionist entertained the audience with two numbers. «Variations on a Ukrainian Theme» and «Ukrainian Folk Fantasy.»

Anya Dydyk, who is currently celebrating her 13th season as Sovuzivka’s mistress of ceremonies, warmly greeted ihe audience, welcoming them lo the 31st year of programs on the Soyuzivka stage She also asked the awdienceio rise and jom her in wiping the «Ivans»in the audience «Mnohaya Lita.» on the occasion ol their name-day, including I he supreme president of the UNA. John O. Flis. Soyuzivka manager John Rabkewych and the Soyuzivka night manager John Odulak.

She also welcomed UNA officers, including Supreme Treasurer Ulana Diachuk and her husband Volodymyr, Mr. Flis and his wife Mary, Supreme advisors Walter Kwas and John Odezynsky, Svoboda editor-in- chief Zenon Snylyk, as well as the Rev. Bohdan Volosin.

After the show. Ms. Dydyk asked the guests to stay for the evening dance, featuring the music of Tempo which, because of the clear evening, played outdoors on the Veselka patio.

The music lasted well into the night. Although the dance ended at 2 a.m.. many of the guests joined the Malvy Ensemble in the bar-lounge and sat up till the early hours of the morning, singing Ukrainian songs.

Relaxing weekdays

By Sunday evening, most weekend visitors have left Soyuzivka and the guests lounge around the resort, taking walks around the spacious estate, relaxing after an entertainment-filled weekend, getting to know other guests and the management, in-cluding newly-promoted assistant manager Vera Gojcwycz.

On Monday morning, the newly arrived guests have the option of joining the weekday emcee, Irena Zawadiwsky of Cleveland, for a tour of the resort and a nature hike around the area.

After the fresh air walk, guests may feast on a buffet lunch, served on the Veselka patio. Monday evening features «steak night,» which i usually preceedcd by a «get-acquainted» social cocktail hour. The Soyuzivka house band, which this year consists of Ms. Zawad iwsky, vocalist, Volodya Krul on the saxophone and Taras Palchynsky on the keyboards, leads the guests during a Ukrainian sing-along and during dinner provides listening music.

A Tuesday evening feature is movie night, during which guests can view such popular films as «Star Wars,» «The Empire Strikes Back,» «Author, Author,» «Mr. Mom «and «The King and I.» The UNA-cotn-missioned film «Helm of Destiny,» which tells the story of Ukrainian immigration to the United States, is also shown every Tuesday evening.

Wednesday evening features talent night, during which both guests and the Soyuzivka hired help, the waitresses and waiters, the chambermaids and bartenders, display their talents, often providing for an evening of delightful entertainment. Following the talent show, where msny a versatile performer has goiter his / her start, a dance to the sounds of the Soyuzivka house band begins.

Thursday evenings, guests a taken on a journey to the Carpathian Mountains, with the backdrop of the Catskills lending to the atmosphere, as Soyuzivka features Hutsul, Poltava nights, complete with ampfire and Ukrainian music.

By Friday evening, the guests weeklong stay at the resort is running to a close, and an evening of dancing music is provided once again by the house band.

The Ukrainian Weekly
july 15.1984 , №37, стор. – 1, 8