Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble

The Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble was created in February 2007 under the artistic direction of Natalia Basladynsky-Mahlay. Zorya had its first rehearsal on April 29, 2007, and its first stand-alone concert on December 30, 2007. The Ensemble’s mission is to bring forth high quality and vibrant Ukrainian female vocal artistry to all audiences through performances, recordings, and education featuring the depth and beauty of the Ukrainian vocal tradition.

Zorya (which means star, or glow, in Ukrainian) began its inaugural year with performances at various functions within the Cleveland Ukrainian community. Today the Ensemble continues to enthusiastically encompass their role of ambassadorship of vocal tradition, within as well as outside the Ukrainian community, with fervor and creativity.

The initial group received high praises and quickly attained notoriety for their portrayal and performance of Ukrainian vocal tradition all performed a capella. The all-female Ensemble is comprised of members from the young to the more mature. The repertoire of the group includes Ukrainian folk, religious and seasonal songs. Zorya is always on the search for female singers who would like to audition to join them in the role they hold so proudly.  

The Ensemble consists of 25 singers, ranging in age from the young to the more mature. Zorya also has in its ranks members from battle-torn Ukraine. Zorya is proud to open its doors to the female youth in the community, providing them with a healthy and enriching outlet to express their musicality. The group cherishes the Ukrainian culture and respects the opportunity not only to preserve but also to propagate Ukrainian song.

Zorya maintains a close relationship through joint performances with their sister group, Kashtan School of Ukrainian Dance, who are ambassadors of Ukrainian dance traditions. Both Zorya and Kashtan are organized under an umbrella organization, The Ukrainian Cultural Arts Association of Greater Cleveland (UCAA). UCAA has been promoting and supporting Ukrainian culture and traditions for more than 30 years.  

 Under the direction of its founding music director Natalia Basladynsky-Mahlay, the Ensemble released its first recording, a Christmas CD titled “The Angels Came Down from Heaven.” Zorya has performed in the Greater Cleveland area, on the East Coast, other parts of the Midwest, and Canada. Zorya was excited to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2017, and the group continues to seek talented singers to join its ranks.

Zorya has a Facebook page under “Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble,” where one can view photographs and various videos from past performances. Zorya is currently on hiatus, and will be back stronger than ever in the future.

Any questions about Zorya can be sent to info@ucaacle.org.