Sunday 16th August, 2026 at 2.00 pm

Music of Ukraine

Larissa Kovalchuk: Voice of the Bandura
Larissa Kovalchuk’s extraordinary soprano voice, paired with the delicate melodies of the bandura, has captivated audiences across her native Ukraine, Western Europe, and Australia.

Born into a family of visual artists and musicians, Larissa’s musical journey began in childhood. As she fondly recalls, “I sang before I talked.” She studied voice, bandura, and conducting at the Kiev Conservatorium of Music, quickly establishing herself as one of Ukraine’s leading musicians. Larissa performed at numerous festivals across Ukraine and Western Europe, including events in Latvia, Estonia, Germany, and France. Her talent earned her recognition as a laureate at the 1993 All-Ukrainian Bandura Festival, and she gained international acclaim with her performance at the 1994 “All the World’s Violins” Festival in France, organized by the legendary Yehudi Menuhin.

Since relocating to Australia, Larissa has worked with SBS and ABC Radio and Television, and has performed at prestigious venues and eventssuch as the Sydney Opera House, Multicultural Festivals, Musica Viva, Café Carnivale, and Australia Day Concerts. In 2024, she showcased her talents on Channel 7’s The Voice. In addition to her vibrant performing career, Larissa earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Sydney. She now balances her time between performing, teaching at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music where she is now the leading vocal teacher.

Anna Dove is a distinguished Ukrainian pianist and educator whose artistry combines technical mastery with expressive depth. Born in Kyiv, she began her musical journey at the Kyiv Specialized Secondary Boarding School, majoring in piano studies, before graduating from the National Music Academy of Ukraine. Since 2005, Anna has balanced a vibrant performing and teaching career. She was a regular performer at the celebrated musical evenings of the National Sanctuary Sophia.

After fleeing Ukraine with her young son following the Russian invasion, Anna has found refuge in Sydney, where she continues to share her musical gift and dedication to the piano with the Australian community. 

The Bandura: Ukraine’s National Treasure
The bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument, stands as a powerful symbol of Ukrainian identity and cultural heritage. Its origins can be traced back to the 6th century, with early references in Greek chronicles describing a lute-like instrument played by warriors in camps and on battlefields. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, blind traveling musicians known as kobzars roamed through Ukrainian towns and villages. They played the bandura while singing epic tales of the Kozaks (Ukrainian warriors), folk ballads, and religious psalms. These kobzars often played a significant role in preserving Ukraine’s oral traditions and fostering a sense of national identity during periods of foreign domination. Historically, the bandura was a smaller, simpler instrument with fewer strings, but it evolved significantly over time. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it developed into a fully chromatic concert instrument, with modern banduras featuring as many as 65 strings and covering five octaves. Advanced mechanisms, such as switches or levers, allow players to change tonalities, adding versatility to the instrument. The bandura’s sound is unique, blending the tonal qualities of the harp and harpsichord. Its strings are plucked with the fingertips, creating a resonant and expressive voice well-suited for both solo performances and ensemble work. In traditional Ukrainian music, the bandura often accompanies vocals, but it is equally capable of performing complex instrumental compositions. Today, the bandura is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and artistry. It is taught in Ukrainian music schools and conservatories, where students learn to master its intricate techniques. Beyond Ukraine, the bandura has gained international recognition, with musicians using it to explore both traditional and contemporary repertoires, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

To hear more, try the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8v2FdnYscc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1KqK1DUcVM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcrRlIR9_Ew
https://www.youtube.com/Larysa1969

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