For the past century, the UBC has strived to preserve Ukrainian language and history
through music and musical education. An ambitious endeavor, our mission has often been exceedingly challenging, as Ukraine was under Soviet rule for the better part of the 20th century.

The UBC’s educational mission in North America has encompassed bandura construction, innovative composition and arranging for the bandura, resurrecting age-old playing techniques, and fostering bandura education programs within the diaspora. In the 1960s, UBC members helped organize summer bandura camps: many of its members have directed and taught at these camps including Kobzarska Sich based in Emlenton, Pennsylvania.

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As a tribute to the UBC's role in preserving and perpetuating the legacy of Ukrainian music, Ukraine’s Council of Ministers selected the UBC to receive the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian State Prize, the highest award that can be bestowed for excellence in the contribution to the arts.

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As we enter our second century, our artistic and administrative leadership have identified three key objectives for the future of the ensemble and the bandura: develop new outreach and audience programming; rehabilitate and innovate the bandura's design; and expand on new and traditional programming, including new music education initiatives.

 

Today, our mission is equally important, if not more so, than it ever has been. With your support, we plan to build on the legacy that was founded and nurtured by the men who stood in our boots before us, and by the kobzari who sang and played of the glory and beauty of Ukraine and her people for centuries.

We invite you to join us on our mission.