From Kiev to the Black Sea

"Veseli Muzyky" perform cheerful, humorous and lyrical folk songs, accompanied on traditional instruments as well as a-cappella, and thrilling dances. Their programme consists of a kaleidoscope of singing, dancing and comedy lasting 90 minutes, rendered with high professionalism and enchanting charm.

This CD includes a number of tracks of popular instrumental folk music and songs from various regions of the Ukraine. In the western regions violins, tsymbaly, bass (bass viol or double bass), sopilka and percussion are used in folk music. In the folk music of the central and eastern region the main instruments are the kobza (a kind of guitar), bayan (accordion), drums, sopilka and bass.

Veseli Muzyky are well versed in all these instruments and play music from all regions of the Ukraine. When playing music from a certain region the ensemble plays the instruments of that region.

Veseli Muzyky was formed in 1983 and they soon acquired a following in Kiev, which rapidly spread throughout the Ukraine. In 1987, they won first place in the All-Ukrainian musical contest. In the same year they were admitted into the Ukrainian National Philharmonic Society and voted "Best Group of the Year".

The ensemble have been touring abroad extensively with considerable success, performing in Great Britain, Poland, France, Slovakia, the USA, Czech Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, Holland and Finland. They have recorded four albums. Two albums and two videos were released in the USA, and a "Best of Veseli Muzyky" - CD in Germany.