Hailing from Sanok, Wernyhora is a talented trio that specialises in playing folk music deeply rooted in the traditions of the Carpathian borderlands of Poland and Ukraine. In their musical journey, the members of Wernyhora explore the vibrant tapestry of traditional songs from the Eastern Carpathians, which are closely tied to the musical folklore of the Boyko people. While staying true to the original melodies and lyrics of these folk songs, the group adds their own creative touch by incorporating a unique array of historic instruments. Combined with the captivating vocals of their lead singer, this extraordinary fusion results in an enchanting and unparalleled musical experience.
Since 2020, Wernyhora has been recognised with a series of prestigious musical awards at folk and world music festivals. These accolades include the Grand Prize at Mikołajki Folkowe International Folk Music Festival in 2020, the 1st Prize at Festival Nowa Tradycja in 2021, as well as two 2nd Prizes in the Folkowy Fonogram Roku (Folk Phonogram of the Year) competition in 2022 and 2023. With over 50 concerts under their belt, the band has performed both in Poland and abroad. They have graced the stages of renowned events such as Etno Port in Poznań in 2021, the Rudolstadt Festival in Germany in 2022, and the World Music Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2022. Wernyhora has also released two albums: “Bojkowski głos Bieszczadu” and “Toloka.”
The band consists of:
Daria Kosiek – a highly regarded vocalist with a powerful and distinctive voice, well-known both in Polish folk and traditional music scenes. She has achieved success as a winner of various competitions and has been honored with a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. Daria proudly represents the Ukrainian minority that has resided in the present-day Polish lands for many generations. It is important to note that she is also a descendant of individuals who were forcibly displaced from the Polish-Ukrainian borderlands in the aftermath of World War II. Through her carefully selected repertoire and the emotions conveyed in her singing, Daria strives to revive the memory of the musical culture of the community that was uprooted from the Carpathians eight decades ago. Her mission is to preserve the musical traditions of her ancestors, who were brutally uprooted from their homeland.
Anna Oklejewicz – a multi-instrumentalist who demonstrates her versatility as a member of Wernyhora. She showcases her talent and skill on a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, vielle, rebec, and viola da gamba.
Maciej Harna – a multi-instrumentalist who plays the hurdy-gurdy and Jew’s harp in the band. He is the founder and longstanding frontman of Orkiestra Jednej Góry Matragony. In addition to his musical pursuits, Maciej is a dedicated music educator and has been recognised for his contributions with a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. In Wernyhora, he not only showcases his instrumental prowess but also takes on the important role of arranging and beautifully orchestrating the songs performed by the band.
