Conductor of Hoosli 1985 to 2002
William Solomon, himself blessed with a rich baritone voice, was born in Fork River, Manitoba. Upon being exposed to the music and culture of his Ukrainian heritage while growing up in the Gilbert Plains and Dauphin areas, he began his music career as a boy soprano in the Manitoba Music Festival.
In 1947, he moved to Winnipeg and attended St. Andrews College where he participated in ethnic and religious choral music and also demonstrated his talent in the Ukrainian dance art form, serving as lead dancer and instructor. His primary interest has always been in choral music, however, and in 1949, he became a member of the Ukrainian Male Chorus conducted by Walter Bohonos, with whom he furthered his vocal training.
In developing his career in music, Bill also performed with numerous other Winnipeg-based choirs, including the Holt Trinity Cathedral Choir, a sextet known and the "Continentals" and the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Association choir and dance ensemble which he organized and conducted. He was invited to join the Kerr Wilson Male Voice Choir, expanded his vocal training under the tutorship of Kerr Wilson, and became a member of the renowned O. Koshetz Mixed Choir under the direction of Walter Klymkiw. He later assumed the position of conductor of that choir's male contingent and in 1981, became conductor of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Youth Choir while also leading the Cathedral Ladies Chorus.
In 1985, Bill accepted an invitation to conduct the Hoosli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. Under his leadership the group has been victorious in its class in two consecutive Manitoba Music Festival competitions and recently achieve great success in a recording venture. At present he also serves as assistant conductor of the O. Koshetz Mixed Choir as well as conductor of the Ilarion Youth Choir at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the O. Koshetz Male Chorus.
William Solomon nurtured his extensive musical talent by training under the maestri mentioned earlier, as well as A. Avdievsky from the Ukraine. By virtue of that good fortune and his love for the choral aspect of his cultural heritage, he is committed to excellence in presenting the art form to the public.
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