The Ukrainian group Sokoly ("Falcons") took wings and started singing in the glorious many-voiced choir of Ukraine.
Organized in the early 1990 the musical group gained momentum and was well received not only in its native land but also in Yugoslavia, Germany, Canada, USA, Great Britain, Slovak Republic, Poland, Belarus’ and Russia. Sokoly made their contribution to the recognition of Ukraine in the world community.
The first success of the singers is connected with the First International festival of the Ukrainian song "Hromada" ("Community") in 1990. As the group became the laureate of the festival, the archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Volodymyr Sterniuk gave his blessing to noble spiritual toil of the singers.
Sokoly participated in the International Festival "Slovians’kyi Bazar" ("Slavonic Fair") and became laureates of the All-Ukrainian Singing Varnishing Days in 1993, 1994, 1995.
The government highly estimated creative activity of Sokoly and conferred the title "People’s Artist of Ukraine" on the two artists of the group.
The popularity of the group is enhanced by the original folk repertoire whose versatility resembles the Ukrainian painted Easter egg.
The group was in the front ranks of those who revived forgotten and forbidden songs, promoted the native tongue and national culture.
The secret of the success of the group lies in their deep devotion to God. This accounts for the sincerity and spiritual uplifting of their songs.
Wherever "Falcons" may be, they always return to their nest – Ukraine.
The creative work of the group always finds feedback and support from governmental authorities and patrons.
THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE GROUP:
Mykhailo MATSIALKO – the founder and artistic manager of the group. People’s Artist of Ukraine
Maria SHALAIKEVYCH – composer, solo singer, People’s Artist of Ukraine
Roman NAKONECHNYI – keyboard instruments
Roman KASPERS’KYI – violin player
Ivan OSTAPCHUK – bass guitarist
Ihor PIKHOTS’KYI - guitarist
Roman OSTAPCHUK – sound producer
information, photo from official site: http://www.sokoly.lviv.ua/eng/