“Spirit of Ukraine” returns to ProArts@Noon by special request, featuring vocalists Stephania Romaniuk and Lyudmyla Heath, violinist Anastasiia Lykhosherstova, pianist Olesia Voloshchuk Gural and members of Korinnya and Pereveslo Ukrainian choirs of Calgary. This non-traditional vocal recital that recounts through music the two months before, and the two months following, the fully fledged invasion of Ukraine. Folk carols, classical ballads, and haunting duets are interspersed with poetry and stories showcasing the unbreakable Spirit of Ukraine.
SPIRIT OF UKRAINE – ARTISTS
Ukrainian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Stephania Romaniuk is honoured to return to ProArts@Noon. Stephania performs regularly with the Calgary Opera Chorus and has appeared as a soloist with ensembles including the Calgary Concert Opera Company, Calgary Philharmonic, and Calgary Civic Symphony. In 2025, Stephania performed in Ammolite Opera’s Rocking Horse Winner, following her debut with the company in 2024 in the Betty Award-nominated production of Proving Up. A Calgary Performing Arts Festival Rose Bowl laureate, Stephania serves as Calgary Opera’s Director of Learning & Engagement, where she leads opera discovery programs and transformative community arts projects for learners of all ages.
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With roots in Ukraine and wings that span continents, soprano and multi-instrumentalist Lyudmyla Heath’s musical journey found its symphonic heart in South Africa in 2002, when South African missionaries offered to sponsor further musical training at the Joyful Noise Music School in Stellenbosch. As a former member of the eclectic ZAMAR band, Lyudmyla’s music has graced stages across the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Seychelles, Namibia, Bavaria, and Indonesia. She has collaborated with celebrated South African artists and produced mesmerizing Christmas and Easter music productions. Now residing in Calgary, Lyudmyla continues to share her musical gift, inspiring others with her harmonious spirit and passion for life. Her journey is a melody of exploration and learning, echoing the very essence of music itself.
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Olesia Voloshchuk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian-born pianist and piano teacher. Growing up in a family of musicians, Olesia’s life has always revolved around music. Her piano journey began at the tender age of six, and her passion for the instrument has only grown stronger over time. Olesia studied at the
prestigious Lviv Music Collage and later graduated from the Lviv State Music Academy with a Bachelor’s and a Master degree in Piano Performance, Piano Accompanying, Piano Teaching and Chamber Ensemble Playing. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Olesia has nurtured the musical abilities of countless students. She has worked as a piano teacher and accompanist in specialized music schools and the State
Academic Choir in Ukraine. Additionally, she has served as a pianist at the prestigious Shangri-la Hotel and a piano teacher at Shanghai Pudong Dulwich College. Since 2023, Olesia has been teaching piano at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada, where she continues to share her passion for music and inspire students of all ages and abilities.
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Anastasiia Lykhosherstova is an accomplished violinist and composer based in Calgary, Alberta, currently serving as Concertmaster of the Calgary Civic Symphony and working as a composer for a video game company while maintaining an active performance career. With over two decades of musical training and professional experience spanning classical performance and contemporary composition, she brings a unique blend of traditional artistry and modern creative innovation to her work. Born in Ukraine, Anastasiia received her foundational training at the Specialised Music School of M. Korolova in Kharkiv and advanced studies at Kharkiv National University of Arts, earning her Master’s Degree in Music.
After relocating to Canada, she continued her distinguished performance career as a member of the Symphony of the Kootenays, served as Concertmaster of the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra through January 2025. An award-winning musician, Anastasiia has been featured in performances across Ukraine and in Canada.