In late July, we were interviewed by Vanessa Miranda, a writer for Montreal’s RAZOM Ukrainian Magazine. The goal of the exchange was for the public to get to know us a little better.  We were asked about our individual Ukrainian backgrounds, how and when we met, how Rossa was created, as well as some fun facts about us in general (psst… Natalia has to chew gum during every single performance! It’s just a habit and a bit of a superstition!). To learn more about our group and read the full interview, pick up a copy of the August 2017 issue of RAZOM! Just to give you a little preview, here are some interesting facts about us that were covered: 

• We were all born in Montreal. Natalia and Sonia’s grandmothers (maternal side) were born in Montreal in the 1930’s, as were Dania’s grandparents making us all third generation Ukrainians. 

• We all met at the ages of 4-5 and were, in a way, meant to be friends. Natalia’s and Dania’s fathers were in a Ukrainian band together as teenagers, and Sonia’s father was also part of a 7 piece orchestra (Band 1945) for many years while her mother sang in various ensembles. Our parents all knew each other growing up in Montreal. We actually became friends in kindergarten at the Sheptycky Ukrainian School of Montreal.

• Sonia’s mother, Vera Turko Kulycky, was the singing teacher at Ukrainian school and picked up on our love of song and natural talent.  She encouraged and helped us perform together at Ukrainian school concerts, and other events within the community along with other students. Over the course of the years, those of  us who continued to perform and were truly passionate about music remained, and hence the Rossa trio was formed!