Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States of America O.Shamshur visited presentation of «STEPPES: A Ukrainian Journey» performance.

On June 27, 2009 Ambassador of Ukraine Oleh Shamshur participated as honored guest of «STEPPES: A Ukrainian Journey» performance presentation at Philadelphia Prince Music Theater. Presentation become possible thanks to joined efforts of The Ukrainian Federation of America, the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and virtuoso violinist Vasyl Popadiuk accompanied by his band Papa Duke. Voloshky premiered new work, along with elaborate new Hutsul costumes.

Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was founded in 1972. Since then Voloshky`s goal has been to develop and maintain a dance company of the highest standards. Voloshky has earned international recognition for the vigor and artistry of its performances. Generating a dynamic blend of ail and energy, the Volosltky style is bold, powerful, and athletic. Voloshky's talented portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped in rich history. Under' the artistic direction of Taras Lewyckyj, Volosliky accomplishes dance on a truly lofty scale.

Vasyl Popadmk from Ukraine to Toronto has been one of musical adventure, starting at Kiev's Lysenko school for gifted children at the tender age of 7, and continuing at Ukraine's national Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music from age 18. Popadiuk's band's name - Papa Duke - is a play on Vasyl's last name and the fact that he is considered by many to be the 'duke' of gypsy violin. Papa Duke's music is best described as 'Gypsy World Fusion' with classical, jazz, Latin and pop undertones.

The STEPPES project is supported by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through Dance Advance, with additional funding from Dance USA Philadelphia's Theater Rental Subsidy program.

After performance Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine H.E. Dr. Oleh Shamshur awarded American doctors – Yelena Shpiegel, Mark Manstein, Lorens Iannarone and Zenia Chernyk certificates of recognition in appreciation of their generous contribution toward improving medical education and healthcare in Ukraine.