Theresa Sokyrka

Theresa Sokyrka (pronounced S0-CARE-ka) was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Sonia and Harold Sokyrka. She has two older sisters, Christina and Elaine. Her interest in music started at an early age, as her mother was a choir director at their church and her father owned a private music school, when she was born. The whole family was very active in many facets of music. A gathering at the Sokyrka household most always included a sing song and jam session with Harold playing the accordion and family and friends getting together to sing traditional Ukrainian folk songs. The Sokyrka family moved to Saskatoon in 1989, where Theresa became actively involved in her Ukrainian culture, attending the Ukrainian Bilingual Program at St. Goretti School, presently the only school of its' kind in the Province of Saskatchewan. She also studied with Ukrainian dance groups and attended cultural summer camps during her elementary and high school years. She took voice, as well as violin lessons, and was a member and lead soloist with the Lastiwka Ukrainian Youth Choir. She attended Holy Cross High School, where she continued her musical involvement as a member of the choir, and also the band, where she played the oboe and bassoon. Her love of music prompted her to become involved in virtually all of the school's musical activities. In her senior year, she secured the lead role in the school production of "My Fair Lady". This was perhaps the most solidifying event in Theresa's life, for after this performance she truly became inspired and desirous of performing on stage. During those weeks Theresa captivated the hearts of millions of Canadians with her vocal artistry, unending diversity, natural elegance and genuine personal modesty. From her first appearances in the Canadian Idol competitions, Theresa so enchanted her audiences with her lyrical, popular and jazz renditions, that she instantly became a much recognized celebrity, referred to by many as the "Sweetheart of Saskatoon". With her cheerful and friendly personality and her genuinely wholesome demeanor, she attracted legions of fans and has become a refreshing positive role model for young Canadians.