Kurbasy summons ‘Songs of the Ukrainian Forest’ Oct. 9 at Recital Hall
Community is invited to a free musical conversation with the artists and experts Oct. 8 at 3 Dots Downtown
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025)—A sense of cozy warmth derived from the woods inspires a new audio-visual program by Ukrainian art-music ensemble Kurbasy.
The multi-national group will bring “Songs of the Ukrainian Forest” to central Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in Recital Hall. The event is on tour as part of Center Stage.
Tickets are $39 for an adult, $14 for a University Park student, and $22 for a person 18 and younger and are available for purchase online. Avoid the $4 fee by purchasing over the phone at 814-863-0255 or in person, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.
Visit Kurbasy online for more information and to purchase tickets.
Musical memories via lullabies and legends
“Songs of the Ukrainian Forest” draws from a rich trove of lullabies and legends. Singer-actresses Mariia Oneshchak and Nataliia Rybka-Parkhomenko reprise stories from their ancestors, while the folk musicians provide dramatic accompaniment to the tight vocal harmonies and stunning background imagery.
The Kurbasy collective’s live performance presents an audio-visual theatrical exploration of a proud people and their history through art song. A magical, musical charm summons the seasons, and ceremonies are celebrated.
“The art of small things brings you happiness,” Rybka-Parkhomenko said.
Watch a video about Kurbasy.
FREE MUSICAL DIALOGUE EVENT
The community is invited to learn about connections found in world folk music at the free event “Echoes of Tradition: Musical Dialogue at 3 Dots” from 5:30–7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 3 Dots Downtown, 137 S. Allen St., State College.
Artists from Kurbasy, Penn State Emeritus Professor and music expert Jerry Zolten, and Penn State Professor of Ukrainian language Michael Naydan will hold a musical discussion about the universality of folk music in cultural contexts, including the blues and gospel genres. The artists also will provide musical illustrations of the wide-ranging topics discussed.
The event is free, but registration is required. Visit free event “Echoes of Tradition” online for more information.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Sponsored by
George and Nina Woskob
Accessibility services provided by
Sidney and Helen S. Friedman Endowment
A grant from the University Park Fee Board makes student prices possible.
Kurbasy is on tour in the United States as part of Center Stage, an initiative of the U. S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc. www.centerstageUS.org.
FIND US
The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, a unit of the College of Arts and Architecture, aspires to create connected, sustainable, and equitable communities, where everyone experiences joy, belonging and creativity.
For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.