The Ukrainian Baroque: the "Golden Trio" composers of choral music

Discover the "Golden Trio" — Vedel, Berezovsky, and Bortniansky — whose virtuosic choral music shaped Ukrainian and Russian music alike.

At the turn of the nineteenth century, composers Vedel, Berezovsky, and Bortniansky composed virtuosic music particularly for a cappella chorus. Hear and learn why this music was so unusual and powerful and how it influenced later Ukrainian (and Russian) composers. The lecture will discuss historical and political context as well as the music itself. 

Lecturer

Marika Kuzma

Marika Kuzma is a highly regarded conductor and scholar of choral music. She has led performances of works from Hildegard of Bingen to Monteverdi, Beethoven, Verdi, Reich, and premieres of new works. She has also served as chorus master to artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, Nicholas McGegan, Mark Morris Dance Group, Kent Nagano, and most recently Keri-Lynn Wilson with the Kyiv Camerata and Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra. Her publications include articles and recordings related to the music of Brahms, Dychko, Stravinsky, and a critical edition and acclaimed CD (Naxos) of Bortniansky choral concertos. Most recently, she published Carols of Birds, Bells, and Sacred Hymns from Ukraine: An Anthology and Cultural Companion which has spun off into a recording (Centaur) and concerts of that repertoire in prestigious venues.