I am very interested in the oeuvre of Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.

He is one of the few

living classics in modern Ukraine. I have met this great musician during compositional and
chamber masterclasses in Kyiv Conservatory. He has written an extensive amount of symphonic
poems, vocal pieces, ballets but the particular interest of mine is violin music. Skoryk has two
Violin Sonatas that I have already played and seven Violin Concertos. The First Concerto was
composed in 1969 and the last one in 2011. For my final project lecture-recital, I will explore the
evolution of composers style through violin concertos. Skoryks music is known to be full of
Ukrainian folk tunes. However, his later violin concertos: Violin Concerto #5 (2004), Violin
Concerto #6 (2008) and Violin Concerto #7 (2011) have contemporary music and jazz influence.
I would like to explore the difference between early and late violin concertos of the composer.

I have not seen any English speaking articles about Skoryks Violin Concertos even though his
music is performed in Europe, USA, and Canada. There are couple articles and books available
regarding Skoryks violin repertoire in Ukrainian. Also, Skoryk being a scholar has written about
his compositions. Moreover, since I am spending my summers in Ukraine, I might be able to
contact the composer and have an interview in regards to the topic of my interest. In 2013 Kyiv
Opera and Ballet House made a production of a modern ballet called
(Crossing), using the music of Violin Concertos #2, #6 and #7. The Opera House hired great
Radu Politkaru to choreograph the ballet. I had attended the premiere, and it was a very
memorable production, three different violinists performed the concertos. Right away I made a
connection to Igor Stravinskys Violin Concerto which was choreographed by George
Balanchine. I feel a special connection because I played Stravinsky Violin Concerto and worked
on a research paper about Balanchines ballet to this Concerto. My final project lecture-recital
could also focus on those three concertos: #2, #6 and #7 and analyze the relationship between

different violin techniques and means of expressiveness (timbre, bow strokes, register, sound
production, articulation, special techniques, etc.) and dance motions.
I think it would be beneficial for the North American audience to hear music by contemporary
Ukrainian composer and follow the path of his style evolution. There are a lot of Ukrainians in
Canada; since late 1800 and people keep arriving, however, Ukrainian art is sadly presented
mostly through old-fashioned folk tradition. In my opinion, to show contemporary, evolving
classical music is a way to change peoples perception towards Ukrainian art and music
specifically. If I perform any Violin Concerto by Skoryk, it would be Canadian premiere and a
big honor for me.
My other areas of interest are chamber music by Anton Arensky and how his style is very similar
to Pyotr Tchaikovsky through an example of chamber music. Also, I am interested in music with
live electronics. I have performed and premiered five pieces for violin and live electronics, so I
would like to explore this area further. This project could be done in collaboration with
Composition Major students, which would be beneficial for both parties.