Remembering Mikhail Matsyalko
The Ukrainian music community is in mourning following the death of Mikhail Matsyalko on March 30. A distinguished People's Artist of Ukraine, Matsyalko was the founder and artistic director of the renowned musical group 'Sokoly'. The band, which he established on January 20, 1990, achieved significant popularity both within Ukraine and internationally, earning acclaim at numerous festivals and undertaking extensive tours.
'Sokoly' was co-founded by Ivan Matsyalko and Maria Shalaykevych. Ivan Matsyalko, also a People's Artist of Ukraine, served as the group's violinist and soloist, while Maria Shalaykevych was a soloist and composer. Their signature song, 'All This is God's Gift', became the band's calling card. Other notable members of the ensemble included:
- Ihor Leshyshak - violinist, guitarist, and vocalist;
- Yaroslav and Nataliya Duby - graduates of the Lviv Conservatory, with Yaroslav serving as a musician and composer;
- Ivan Ostapchuk - bass guitarist.
The Legacy of 'Sokoly'
The band 'Sokoly' was exceptionally active abroad, performing over 40 concerts annually in Canada and the United States between 1990 and 1992. In 1992, the group undertook a nationwide tour of Ukraine titled 'West-East', dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). They participated three times in the International Festival 'Slavianski Bazaar' and were laureates of the All-Ukrainian Song Vernissages in 1993, 1994, and 1995. In 1999, 'Sokoly' embarked on another nationwide tour lasting nine months, during which they gave over 170 solo concerts.
Among the works by Ivan Ostapchuk that became part of the band's repertoire were:
- 'Song of Your Son';
- 'Sokoly from Canada, Sokoly from the States';
- 'And the Song is from the Carpathians';
- The anthem for the Drohobych football team 'Halychyna'.
The group performed in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Argentina, becoming cultural ambassadors for Ukrainian folk music.
Ivan Matsyalko, who also left a profound mark on Ukraine's musical history, passed away on July 28, 2007. The death of Mikhail Matsyalko represents a significant loss for the Ukrainian cultural community, which will remember his immense contribution to the development of musical art.
The passing of Mikhail Matsyalko underscores his pivotal role in the history of Ukrainian music and culture.
'Sokoly' became a symbol of Ukrainian musical tradition, actively promoting its culture on the international stage. The contributions of Matsyalko and his colleagues to the development of musical art will remain in the memory of generations of admirers of Ukrainian music.