UCC Expresses Gratitude to the Late Irena Bubniuk and Her Family for Generous Bequest of Steinway Grand Piano

Connor Moen, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress would like to express its warmest gratitude to the late Irena Bubniuk and her family for bequeathing her prized Steinway Grand Piano to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and our community.

Ms. Bubniuk was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK and was very active in the Ukrainian community in her youth. She valued and appreciated her Ukrainian heritage deeply and most of her written work during her lifelong career as a musician and music professor involved the use of Ukrainian Folk Songs. Ms. Bubniuk was always grateful for the support of Ukrainian organizations gave her as a piano prodigy.

She often spoke about how much she believed in the efforts of the UCC, especially since both her father, Jakiw Bubniuk, and her mother, Stefania Bubniuk, devoted their lives to the Ukrainian community. Her mother Stefania was a founding and life-long member of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada and for over 20 years was editor of its magazine Women’s World (Zhinochyj Svit).

“Performing since the age of 10 and being sponsored on numerous occasions by the Ukrainian community, our mother will live on in memory by continuing to contribute to her musical heritage and support those who make it live on,” said Lydia Fife, daughter of Irena Bubiuk. “I would like to thank the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for all their work to help me deliver this gift from my mother, which made the trek from way out here in our little corner of New Brunswick by the sea. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Ms. Bubniuk wished that her piano would be available to the community for recordings and recitals. UCC accepted the special bequest, and entered into a partnership with Vesnivka Choir and the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada – Toronto Branch to find a suitable new home for the instrument where it will be cared for and maintained.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress would especially like to thank Vesnivka Choir for covering the transportation costs of safely moving the piano from New Brunswick to the UNF Toronto Branch location. Their generous support will help ensure that the piano will be enjoyed by various parts of the community for recitals and productions.

Speaking on behalf of Vesnivka Choir, Halyna Kvitka Kondracki, Founder and Choral Director, said “Vesnivka Choir, over the years, continuously looks for various opportunities to help enhance the musical life of the Ukrainian Canadian Community. Vesnivka’s support, by undertaking the financial responsibility to transport this Steinway Grand Piano to Toronto, will provide music groups access to the best instrument for recitals, festivals and concerts.”

Maksym Stolyarevskyy, President of UNF Toronto branch, said “UNF Toronto is proud to host this piano, generously donated by someone who gave so much of her time and skill to the UNF and Affiliate organizations throughout her life.”

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will celebrate Irena Bubniuk’s legacy with an event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between UCC, UNF Toronto and Vesnivka, and unveil a designated memorial plaque this fall. To learn more about Irena Bubniuk, please visit her public profile on Facebook.

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