Monday, August 7, 2023
Farewell beloved teacher and good friend.
I remember Myron's return from his studies in Ukraine. What followed for me was amazing: a whole new approach to folk dancing, playing in the adult string orchestra on the mandocello, learning to play the bandura in a quartet, singing in the Bandurist Male Chorus (Sunday morning rehearsals and a tour of Western Canada), and then finally taking the first steps to conducting myself. Myron was the example to emulate. Singing in the Chorus under his expert direction had a most profound influence on my own career.
I remember watching, as a teenager, the romance with Olga develop, leading to their marriage. In the 1970's I visited Olga, Myron, and his mother Kay in British Columbia. On subsequent visits to Winnipeg we often had a chance to chat, share stories and a good laugh.
In 2003 I attended a rehearsal of the AUUC mandolin orchestra which Myron conducted and was again moved and awed by his wonderful arrangements and his conducting, his ability to draw such fine music from his musicians. I also listened to recordings of the mandolin quintet in which he played and was rewarded with a joyful musical experience.
Along with the many memories, I have a deep respect for Myron's influence, and his commitment to the preservation and development of Ukrainian Canadian culture, the popularity of which is due in significant part to his efforts.
Travel well, dear friend. As the song says, "because of that bandura, I became a bandurist (performer)", and lover of the music.
