Ukrainian Folk Ensemble

“Metelyk” (which is Ukrainian for butterfly) is a traditional folk dance, music and song ensemble based in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the south of England.

The group was founded in 1979 and the original members were all born in Britain of Ukrainian parents. At that time Ukraine was still part of the USSR but became independent in 1991 on the break-up of the Soviet Union.

“Metelyk” has travelled and performed throughout Europe – in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Finland. For many years the group has taken part in “Europeade” the International European Folk Culture Festival (www.europeade.be) which is an annual event.

In 2002, after meeting Ukrainian Folk Ensemble “Veselka” at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, “Metelyk” was invited to perform in Ukraine.
The trip, in 2003, was a wonderful experience – “Veselka” celebrated its 30th Anniversay and the group’s hometown, Bilhorod-Dniestrovsky, commemorated 2,500 historical years.
Having advocated Ukrainian culture and tradition for so many years, it was a great honour to perform alongside indigenous Ukrainian groups. Since then “Metelyk” and “Veselka” (www.veselka.odessa.net) have forged an enduring friendship.

“Metelyk” is committed to the promotion of Ukrainian culture through workshops and performances, and has a versatile repertoire of dances, music and songs from different regions of Ukraine. As well as taking part in folk festivals and artistic events, “Metelyk” often entertains audiences at weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations for all sorts of occasions.