Metin Yilmaz and Larysa Kovalchuk are both accomplished musicians in their fields. This unique collaboration, blending Kurdish and Ukrainian national instruments, captures the joys and sorrows of two cultures while incorporating modern compositions with highly virtuosic improvisations.

As a recent contestant on The Voice of Australia, Larysa’s enchanting voice mesmerized audiences. Her exceptional soprano, combined with the delicate tones of the bandura, has captivated listeners across her native Ukraine, Western Europe, and Australia.

Larysa studied voice, bandura, and conducting at the Kiev Conservatorium of Music, quickly becoming one of Ukraine’s leading musicians. She has performed at numerous festivals throughout Ukraine and Western Europe, including Latvia, Estonia, Germany, and France. In 1993, she was a laureate of the All-Ukrainian Bandura Festival, gaining international recognition the following year when she performed at France’s All the World’s Violins Festival.

Since moving to Australia, Larysa has recorded with SBS and ABC Radio & Television and has performed at prestigious venues and events, including the Sydney Opera House, multicultural and folk festivals, and Musica Viva concerts. These include the 2014 “Noel! Noel!” concert series with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the 2015 Woodford Folk Festival and the 2023 National Folk Festival. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Sydney, Larysa is currently the Leading Vocal Teacher at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

Metin Yilmaz is a virtuoso kaval (ancient traditional flute) player. A disciple of Ustad Sinan Celik and Osman Aktas, two of Turkey’s foremost kaval masters and music producers, Metin has established himself as a leading musician of Kurdish origin.

Born in Turkey, he has extensive experience as a performing and recording artist across Turkey, Europe, and Australia. Spending a decade based in Cologne, Germany, he toured Europe with some of Turkey’s finest musicians. His extraordinary playing has the ability to deeply move audiences, making him a highly sought-after performer.

Kaval (Bilûr)

The kaval, or bilûr, is an ancient flute with a history dating back to the Sumerians. Today, it is played by Kurds, Turks, Armenians, and various peoples of the Balkans and the Orient. Its highly distinctive and mystical sounds have made it a fundamental instrument across these regions.

Bandura

The bandura is Ukraine’s national instrument and one of its most recognizable cultural symbols. Dating back to the 6th century, the bandura was first mentioned in Greek chronicles as a lute-like instrument played by warriors in battle camps.

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, blind traveling musicians known as Kobzars wandered through Ukraine’s towns and villages, playing the bandura and singing of the heroic exploits of the Kozaks (Ukrainian warriors).

This collaboration between Metin Yilmaz and Larysa Kovalchuk brings together the rich musical traditions of Kurdish and Ukrainian culture, offering audiences a mesmerizing fusion of heritage and artistry.