Julia Houk (violin) currently is a graduate student at the University of San Diego in the MS Finance program at the Knauss School of Business. She grew up in the Bay Area playing piano / violin in a musical Ukrainian family, orchestras, and ensembles over the years. She loves getting to share her love of music with others, and especially connect with the Ukrainian community during the time of war. Julia is saying ”Although there are many places I have performed, it brings me no greater joy than seeing how music can touch another soul and bring comfort / healing in some of our darkest moments and ultimately bring hope to others.”

Sofia Ishchuk(bandura) grew up in Kyiv and came to her relatives in Sacramento in 2022 due to the war. Having graduated from an art school in Kyiv with a focus on vocals and bandura, she initially aspired to sing but ended up exploring the bandura class due to limited spots. This decision sparked her interest in the Ukrainian folk instrument - the bandura. This time, she saw and heard the bandura for the first time and became interested in our Ukrainian folk instrument. In Sacramento, Sophia connected with bandura teacher Ola Herasymenko, who provided her with a versatile instrument. Now, Sophia passionately learns and performs diverse pieces at Ukrainian music festivals and international events, showcasing her singing and bandura-playing talents. Her repertoire spans Ukrainian compositions, classical pieces, and traditional folk songs.

Sophia Sokolovych (violin) grew up in a Ukrainian family immersed in music and began playing the violin at the age of 3. Along with performing at many cultural festivals while growing up, she also participated in concerts and competitions. Currently, she plays with a string quartet based in Sacramento called Harmony Strings, which performs live music at weddings and special events. She says, “I am honored to play at this Ukrainian Christmas Festival and demonstrate Ukraine’s vibrant culture through its music and art, as so many have fought to save these forms from disappearing.”

Zoloti Maky(Zuh-luh-tee Ma-key) is San Francisco’s Ukrainian Dance Ensemble named after the California Golden Poppy (Zoloti meaning golden, and Maky, poppy). It pays tribute to the State they call home, and honors the symbolic poppy of Ukrainian folklore.

Dylan Wojsiat(cello) has been playing cello for about 12 years. He grew up loving music and has been fortunate to play in many different orchestras and symphonies. He toured to Spain and Portugal as part of an orchestra, played for wedding ceremonies and live events as part of a string and quartet and performed many solos during competitions and recitals. He loves playing the cello and sharing that experience with other people.

Lesia Houk (piano) was born in Ukraine, where she received her music teacher degree. She has taught piano for more than 20 years internationally in Ukraine, England, Canada, and now in her San Jose home studio. Lesia is an active member of MTAC (Music Teachers Association of California) here in the Bay Area and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Lesia says that her mission is to instill a love of music in children that will continue for the rest of their lives. She organizes piano recitals for her students, public schools, and concerts for various fundraising events.

Ivanna Taratula Filipenko (Ukrainian-American mezzo-soprano) and her daughter, Juliana Filipenko (lyric soprano), multiple 1st and 2nd place International music competition winner, Carnegie Hall Concert Series performer, and UC Berkeley graduate. Ivanna and Juliana are a well-known duet in the Ukrainian diaspora and beyond. From 2014 till the present, the mother-daughter duo has been actively volunteering to support Ukrainian soldiers, families, and orphaned children — having raised thousands of dollars for Ukrainian humanitarian needs from their concerts across several states. In 2016, Ivanna and Juliana released their CD album containing a collection of Ukrainian music titled “Embroidery Destiny.”