ESTEVAN - Local music fans were captivated by the talents of dozens of people during a performance by the Poltava Ensemble of Song, Music and Dance on Sunday afternoon at the Estevan Comprehensive School's cafetorium.
A large crowd gathered to watch the showcase of Ukrainian culture. The dancers, dressed in bright and colourful costumes, performed numerous songs for the audience.
Accompanying the dancers was an orchestra, which had plenty of upbeat and energetic music to play. The musicians played Ukrainian selections when the dancers were changing their outfits.
Poltava's visit was an added attraction for the Estevan Arts Council's (EAC) 2022-23 concert series. They were supposed to visit in March, but the concert had to be rescheduled due to a blizzard that hit the southeast.
Poltava began in 1922 as a children's stringed orchestra and has grown over the years.
"Their mission is to preserve, develop and share the culture of Ukraine and its European neighbours through song, dance and music," said EAC president Wilma Mantei.
It is part of the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians.
Dave Wilson with Poltava served as the MC for the afternoon's concert. He offered a brief explanation of each song and dance that was performed and offered some history on the ensemble.
"Ukrainian cultural traditions are deeply embedded in the Saskatchewan mosaic, and settlers from Ukraine, along with thousands of immigrants who followed, have enriched our province," said Wilson. "We pay tribute to these immigrants, and most importantly, we pay tribute to the organizations, churches and volunteers who assisted and continue to assist all immigrants who settle and thrive in Saskatchewan."
As the war on Ukraine continues, the Poltava Ensemble remains steadfast in its support of a free and independent Ukraine, he said, and they continue to hope for an end to Russia's war on Ukraine.
He also paid tribute to dance director Lisa Wanner and orchestral director Vlad Tsymbal for creating such a strong show.
Wilson noted Poltava is unique in Saskatchewan and one of the few groups of its kind in Canada. The members of the ensemble will be travelling to Spain and Portugal in the summer to perform at two festivals of dance and music that often attract 5,000-6,000 people.
Wilson noted they are also very proud of the costumes they wear and the accuracy of the Ukrainian culture being portrayed.
"Many of the costumes for our performance were designed in Regina, ordered and then produced in Lviv, Ukraine. For the past 20 years, Poltava has supported the costume manufacturers in Lviv, and we applaud the amazing seamstresses, who have not only worked through a pandemic, but are presently working under the duress of war," said Wilson.
The Sunflower Network had a dessert table to support their efforts to bring Ukrainian families, displaced by war, to Estevan and other Saskatchewan communities.
"There's a lot of work involved to do that and a lot of expense," said Mantei. "They do rely on the community to help with that, so we're very fortunate to have them here."
Mantei pointed out there were some Ukrainian families in attendance to enjoy the celebration of their home country.
The show was the last in the 2022-23 season for the Estevan Concert Series. Mantei noted they have the concerts lined up for next season, and will start selling tickets soon.
