Managing Director & Co-founder.

Laryssa Czebiniak (Ляриса Чебіняк) grew up immersed in the language of her grandparents and surrounded by folk songs. She joined her Ukrainian church choir at an early age, and has sung with vocal ensembles Topolia in Johnson City, NY, as well as Promin and Ukrainian Women's Voices in New York City. Laryssa fell deeply for UVV’s powerful singing style, and she feels the connection with her ancestors strengthen with each new song learned (and each layered traditional necklace worn). She is a Ukrainian diaspora community leader locally, nationally, and internationally, and draws on her life-long training in Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization to gracefully coordinate all the moving parts of the UVV collective. She is grateful to help lead this incredible group of dedicated singers, and to propel the progression of this cohesive and ever-growing musical community. Laryssa strives to guide the group on a unique path, aiming to honor the songs of rural villages while navigating the bustling city.

Co-founder.

Brian Dolphin is a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Fulbright recipient, and doctoral student of Ethnomusicology at the CUNY Graduate Center. He has studied under and performed with master singers from all over Ukraine, including singers from Drevo, Rozhanytsia, and Ladovytsi. Brian has also done ethnography and performed at various festivals throughout Ukraine. He is co-founder of Ukrainian Village Voices in New York City and under his musical direction, UVV performed at the Brooklyn Folk Festival, the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, and the Saint George Ukrainian Festival. UVV has also paraded around the East Village every year in order to bless the local community with traditional carols. Brian's approach to singing this music is one that is both inclusive and fun, and also always striving for excellence, "authenticity," understanding, and a depth of feeling. He is always looking forward to singing with people and making the music sparkle.