The History of Kobzar
Tradition in Ukraine
Kobzar tradition is a unique phenomenon of Ukrainian culture, which originated in ancient times and spread throughout the regions inhabited by Ukrainians. It is an oral tradition of blind itinerant singers who accompanied their singing with playing the kobza, bandura, or lira.
Contemporary kobzar tradition represents an effort to continue these centuries-old traditions in the modern world. The “DUMA” project was created primarily to preserve this cultural heritage and to spark interest in contemporary kobzar tradition. While many view kobzar tradition as something from the past, it continues to live and evolve today. Modern kobzars not only preserve the tradition but also adapt it to contemporary realities, performing a relevant epic across the years. Let’s dispel myths and learn interesting facts about what kobzar tradition is like today.
The History of Kobzar
Tradition in Ukraine
Kobzar tradition is a unique phenomenon of Ukrainian culture, which originated in ancient times and spread throughout the regions inhabited by Ukrainians. It is an oral tradition of blind itinerant singers who accompanied their singing with playing the kobza, bandura, or lira.
Contemporary kobzar tradition represents an effort to continue these centuries-old traditions in the modern world. The “DUMA” project was created primarily to preserve this cultural heritage and to spark interest in contemporary kobzar tradition. While many view kobzar tradition as something from the past, it continues to live and evolve today. Modern kobzars not only preserve the tradition but also adapt it to contemporary realities, performing a relevant epic across the years. Let’s dispel myths and learn interesting facts about what kobzar tradition is like today.
Mission and Goals
Preserving Cultural Heritage for Future Generations
This is not just about storing old melodies and words; it’s about reviving their vitality in the modern world.
The kobzar (elder) tradition has always been an integral part of Ukraine’s national identity, reflecting the history, culture, and spiritual values of the people. Preserving this tradition is essential for strengthening national consciousness, unity, patriotism, and pride in our culture among Ukrainians, as well as drawing the attention of the international community to the uniqueness of Ukrainian culture.
Digitalization of Traditions
We use modern technologies to digitize traditional dumy so that they can be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Digitalization will help expand the audience, contribute to the popularization of the kobzar (elder) tradition, and enable people from any corner of the world to engage with this unique cultural heritage.
Inclusivity
We aim for every individual, regardless of physical ability, to have access to kobzar (elder) works.
Ensuring that project materials are accessible to people with visual impairments is an important step toward creating an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to access cultural resources.
Our team
Mykola Tovkailo
Guildmaster of Kyiv Kobzar Guild
Kostiantyn Cheremskyi
Guildmaster of Kharkiv Kobzar Guild
Yaroslav Kryisko
Guildmaster of Lviv Kobzar Guild
Andrii Rizol
Project Producer
Denys Zakharov
Director and Editor
Dmytro Sanin
Director of Photography
Mariian Kryskiv
Sound Engineer
Sviatoslav Sylenko
Kobzar and Sound Producer
Taras Kompaniichenko
Kobzar and Project Consultant
Vitalii Kobzar
Kobzar and Project Consultant
Oles Sanin
Creative Producer and Director
Ivanna Sanina-Wininger
Project Manager
Yevheniia Mishchenko
Distribution Manager
Oleksandr Savchuk
Responsible for Website Creation
Liubov Hemeliuk
Financial Director
invite the kobzar
Discover the authentic world of Ukrainian music and culture together with the masters of the Kyiv Kobzar Workshop. Kobzari – bearers of centuries-old traditions, will perform dumas, historical songs, spiritual songs, psalms and instrumental works for you, which will transport you to the times of Cossack glory and national identity.
