About artist
Ostap Stakhiw is a renowned Ukrainian bandurist and recipient of the prestigious title National's Artist of Ukraine, awarded by the Ukrainian government for his exceptional contributions to the development of the performing arts. He began his professional career in 1981 as a soloist with the Lviv Philharmonic and as a member of the “Vatra” vocal-instrumental ensemble. In 1985, he became the leader and soloist of the “Drymba” folk ensemble at the Lviv Philharmonic. Three years later, in 1988, he founded and directed the “Folklore Theater of Ostap Stakhiw” in Lviv. Since 1989, Mr. Stakhiw has also been a highly respected educator, teaching bandura and vocal performance at the Lviv State Conservatory named after Mykola Lysenko. Between 1988 and 1991, he created and performed a series of original theatrical concert programs, including “Play, My Bandura” and “Hey, You, Riflemen of Sich”. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Ostap Stakhiw has proudly represented Ukraine on international stages across Europe and Asia. In 1992, he was awarded the title Honored Artist of Ukraine and conducted a major concert tour across the United States and Canada. In 2001, he performed at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, where he won gold and silver medals for vocal performance and bandura artistry. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Stakhiw served as the National Director of the Ukrainian delegation to WCOPA in Los Angeles (Hollywood). In 2011, he was awarded the Jubilee Medal for “20 Years of Independence of Ukraine” in honor of his continued cultural contributions. A pioneer in bridging tradition with modernity, Mr. Stakhiw has spent decades reimagining classic Ukrainian folk melodies. In 2007, he founded an orchestra of modern folk music, known for programs such as “Christmas in Lviv”, “Spirit of Ukraine”, and innovative instrumental interpretations of carols and traditional songs.
