Episode 11 | Learn about Bandurists in North America from Alina Kuzma
Alina Kuzma is a fourth-generation bandurist, a.k.a. someone who plays the bandura, an instrument sometimes said to embody the “voice and soul of Ukraine.” Alina is a co-founder of the Women’s Bandurist Ensemble of North America and a member of Korinya Folk Band. The bandura has shaped her life in many ways — in all ways, really. Alina says she wouldn’t exist if not for this instrument. Vsi listeners are also treated to a performance by Alina at the end of this episode!
What Else You’ll Hear
How Alina merges traditional music with modern times
How you can start learning the bandura yourself
The phenomenon of the bandura camp experience
How the bandura has become a passport for Alina
The different types of the bandura
“A little bit of angry feminism”
Resources
Women’s Bandurist Ensemble of North America: YouTube, Facebook, Website, Contact Page
Documentary about Ukrainian musicians
Music
A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song