Mahlay was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra in its inaugural season and began studies of the bandura as a teenager. He attended various seminars throughout the years, including with the Bolzano, Italy, International Institute of Music, the Baldwin Wallace Music Conservatory Summer Music Clinic, and the Ukrainian Choral Conducting Seminar in Edmonton, Alberta.

During his first tenure with the UBC from 1996-2008, Mahlay directed the ensemble in seven concert tours throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Ukraine. Collaborative efforts with the Vesnivka Women’s Choir of Toronto and Metropolitan Opera soloist Paul Plishka also highlighted the Maestro’s first term. In addition, Mahlay also conducted the UBC in many special performances such as at the Stratford Summer Music Festival (2004) and at the Baldwin Wallace College World Music Series (2007).

 

The Maestro returned to the UBC as Artistic Director and Conductor іn 2012 and led the ensemble in its 2014 release of “Brothers! We Shall Live!” In 2018, during the ensemble’s centennial tour of Ukraine, Mahlay conducted the UBC as well as the Ukraine’s National Bandurist Cappella during a historic concert in Kyiv, Ukraine.  He continues to teach voice and bandura, lectures frequently on various musical topics, conducts workshops throughout North America, and remains active in the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus sponsored Kobzarska Sich summer bandura and choral camp.