HrayBery is a musical ensemble dedicated to reviving the forgotten music that emerged at the crossroads of Polish and Ukrainian cultures. Their repertoire primarily consists of dance tunes, including kozak, kołomyjkas, mazurkas, polkas, and waltzes, meticulously reconstructed from archival sources such as sheet music and audio recordings. These melodies were painstakingly collected by Ukrainian and Polish researchers in the San River Basin and other parts of Eastern Galicia. The instruments employed by the ensemble, such as the fiddle, cymbalom, drum, and bass, were prevalent in these regions as early as the late 16th century.
HrayBery’s music transports listeners to a bygone era, immersing them in the rich tapestry of traditional dance music that once resonated across regions inhabited by Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, and the Roma. Since its inception in June 2023, the group has embarked on an active performance schedule, playing approximately 16 concerts in Poland and Germany within its first six months of existence. Their notable appearances include the Rudolstadt Festival Donaufest in Germany and the All Mazurkas of the World Festival in Warsaw. They have also graced stages at camps, dances, and museum exhibitions.
photo: Agata Maziarz
