Career in Ukrainian Music
At the age of 16, Mahlay became the choir director of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio. This position was held for many years by the late Hryhory Kytasty - Ukrainian composer, bandura player, Artistic Director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, and musical mentor to Oleh Mahlay. This post gave the current artistic director and conductor of the Chorus the opportunity at a very young age to explore and gain insights into the art of choral conducting and the mystical sounds of Slavic sacred music. Mahlay also has orchestral conducting experience, once serving as the assistant conductor for the Parma Symphony Orchestra.
Mahlay began his bandura studies at the age of 15. In 1988, he began his long association with the Kobzarska Sich Summer Bandura Camp in Emlenton, Pennsylvania, where he has served as conductor, lecturer, and music director over the years. He became a member of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus in 1987. Maestro Mahlay continues to teach bandura at the Hryhory Kytasty School of Bandura in Parma, Ohio.
Read more about this topic: Oleh Mahlay
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