Cutting Keys - 'Bandura' the Forbidden Instrument

Cutting Keys with Taylor Higgs presents Bandura 'The Forbidden Instrument' with Mariia Petrovska. 

A performance of Traditional Ukrainian Music performed on the Bandura, a harp like instrument with 55-65+ strings, combining elements of the lute and zither, described as the sound of the Ukraine. Throughout history there were attempts to suppress and Russify Ukrainian culture and the bandura tradition, and many bandura players in Ukraine were persecuted and killed. This is an instrument that youbwill not get to experience often in a live setting. 

Mariia Petrovska is a charismatic bandura player and singer, and one of the rising stars of Ukrainian music. She combines a complete mastery of the bandura with a pure, emotive voice, making Ukrainian traditional music sound utterly fresh and contemporary, as well as penning her own new songs. Her mesmerising live solo performances frequently draw standing ovations, and it is Mariia’s belief that this ancient traditional instrument can find a new audience far beyond its Ukrainian home.

In her native country Ukraine, she was a multi-time winner of all-Ukrainian and international bandurist competitions. After the Russian invasion, she left Ukraine to live in the UK and is currently studying songwriting and performance at British Irish Modern Music University (Manchester). But she continues to use her music as a voice for Ukraine. She leads the volunteer organization ‘People’s Territory of Happiness’ and is a major contributor to the Cultural Forces programme. In summer 2023, she went to the east of Ukraine, close to the war zone where she performed for Ukrainian defenders, and also in a powerful fundraising video which went viral on YouTube. In May 2023, she played on the stage of the Eurovision Village in Liverpool. In August 2023 she recorded a song for a BBC team to accompany a news broadcast about Ukraine, and in summer 2024 performed to great acclaim in London’s Finborough Theatre.

Taylor Higgs is an incredible pianist and musician local to southend on sea who enjoys showcasing cultural, traditional and indigenous music & instruments to his audience, allowing for them to experience music they may otherwise not be able too, along woth performing together with his guest musicians to create a unique one-off fusion performance that will only ever happen once

Drinks and refreshments available

A percentage of your ticket price goes towards a charity of Maria's choice to help directly with the conflict situation in Ukraine 

EARLYBIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW ONLY £8

Tickets Here:

https://www.ticketsource.com/tdm/t-jxrkjol