Main points
- The band “Falcons” has undergone numerous changes in its lineup, but has remained popular since 1990 with an emphasis on Ukrainian songs about the Cossacks and the UPA.
- Currently, the “Falcons” include Maria Shalaykevych and Mykhailo Matsyalko, and their repertoire has been supplemented with Spanish, Greek, and Balkan motifs.
“Falcons” Band / Collage of Channel 24
The band “Falcons” has undergone significant transformations over the years of its activity. Most often, this was due to the fact that the members of the group changed quite often.
- 1 The band “Falcons”: how was it?
- 2 Where are the members of the “Falcons” band now?
The history of “Sokoliv” began in 1990. Mykhailo Matsialko became the artistic director. He was also assisted by Maria Shalaykevych. The band also included: leader-vocalist Ivan Matsialko (brother of Mykhailo Matsialko), Yaroslav Dub (keyboards), Roman Nakonechny (keyboards, accordion), Ivan Ostapchuk (bass guitar), Ihor Pihotsky (guitar), Roman Kaspersky (keyboards, violin). 24 Channel will tell you what is known about the band's success and where its members are now.
The band “Falcons”: how was it?
The concept of the group was clear: Ukrainian songs about the Cossacks, the UPA, as well as interpretations of folklore material. The musicians created a real creative legacy that Ukrainians loved very much.
“Sokoly” band – “A zori, a zori”: watch the video online
The story of the band's name is also interesting. The participants came up with as many as 189 options. However, journalist and publicist Roman Pastukh suggested calling it “Falcons”. Everyone decided that this was the ideal option. The first concert took place on January 20, 1990. From then on, their career took off: participation in festivals, tours of Ukrainian cities, as well as concerts abroad. The first foreign tours began precisely in Canada.
“Falcons” band / Photo from the Internet
The band participated in the Slavonic Bazaar festival three times. In 1992, they went on an all-Ukrainian tour dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the UPA. Their success was so great that two members and the artistic director of “Sokol” were awarded the title of People's Artists of Ukraine.
In 1995, the members moved from Drohobych to Lviv. Then Ivan Matsialko decided to go into a solo project, and Maria Shalaykevych became the number one in the group.
Later, Maria and Mykhailo Matsialkow were awarded the title of Honored Artists of Ukraine.
Maria Shalaykevych and the group “Falcons” – “We All Want Love”: watch the video online
In 1999, “Falcons” were at the peak of their popularity. Their all-Ukrainian tour lasted 9 months.
In the early 90s, three albums were released: “From Kyiv to Mukachevo”, “A Branch of Kalina”, “All These Are Gifts of God”. And in 2002, the band's new album was released – “She is the Only One”.
The band was even known for the film “Hey, from Lviv to Mukachevo”, and Volodymyr Kachkan's book “Guys Like Falcons” was also published.
“Falcons” band – “Hey, from Lviv to Mukachevo”: watch the video online
Where are the members of the “Falcons” band now?
Unfortunately, not all members are publicly available. It is known that Ivan Matsyalko, who was one of the founders of the group, died in 2007 due to a serious illness. He was buried at the Lychakiv Cemetery.
Today, “Falcons” are completely different. They have not only the familiar repertoire, but also Spanish, Greek, and even Balkan motifs. Today, the group includes Maria Shalaykevych and Mykhailo Matsyalko.
Maria Shalaykevych and Mykhailo Matsyalko / Photo from the group's Facebook page
On the Facebook page, you can occasionally see new photos from Sokol's performances. They often publish archived performances, but the fact that the band is still alive speaks louder than any words.