Circle of Voices — Ukrainian Women’s Folklore Trio

Kolovita presents Circle of Voices — Ukrainian Women’s Folklore Trio, an intimate program of a cappella polyphonic singing from the Polissya region.

Three women step forward and sing—no instruments, only voice. The program unfolds through song and story, creating a shared space for listening, reflection, and connection. This is not a formal concert, but an experience shaped by presence and tradition.

Presented on the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, this gathering serves as a quiet tribute to the cultural life of Polissya—villages, voices, and traditions profoundly altered through displacement, yet carried forward through song.

Guests are welcomed into a pre-program reception featuring a curated selection of food and beverages inspired by the seasonal traditions of the Polissya region, thoughtfully prepared to complement the evening’s program. The reception includes traditional spring dishes such as nettle soup, pampushky, uzvar, and seasonal sweets.

The evening opens with a traditional Ukrainian bread and salt welcome ceremony, inviting guests into the circle through a gesture of hospitality, respect, and shared presence.

Part of Future Heritage, Kolovita’s seasonal cultural series rooted in the rhythms of living tradition.

Ticket purchases support Kolovita, a program of Art Sprouts, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of your contribution may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Supported in part by the City of Bend and the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund. Presented in partnership with Hanai.

Featured Artists

A Ukrainian women’s folklore trio of internationally recognized artists specializing in traditional polyphonic singing and ethnographic research:

Inna Kovtun — ethnographer, researcher, and folk singer

Nadia Tarnawsky — folk singer and researcher

Hanna Tishchenko — folk singer and folklorist

Their work is dedicated to preserving and sharing the vocal traditions of the Polissya region, carrying songs passed through generations of women.