Ukrainain Chorus "Dumka" of America

The Ukrainian chorus "Dumka" of New York City was originally formed in September of 1949 as an exclusively male chorus. The first concert, featuring Christmas Carols, was held in 1950 and was followed by others in Washington, D.C., Carnegie Holl, Madison Square Garden, many of which were broadcast by radio stations. In 1959 "Dumka" became a mixed chorus, and it is in this form that it performed extensively in Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto and Montreal. Former chorus directors were Messrs. A. Bernyk, L. Krushelnycky, (first director), O. Mykytiuk, I. Sonevychy, R. Stepaniak, I. Zadorozny, I. Zukowsky. The chorus takes its name from the Ukrainian word "dumka", which means epic folk song, a form popular in the 16th through 18th centuries. The "Dumka" chorus is presently performing under the direction of Semen Komirsky. Mr. Komirsky studied music in Lviv (Ukraine), and was graduated from Uzhorod Music College (Ukraine) as an instructor in vocal music and choral conducting.