​Anastasija Litvinyuk is a Ukrainian pianist, composer, and teacher. A graduate of the Lviv National Academy of Music (2007), she has co-created and performed with ShockolaD since its inception. Anastasija is also a twice-awarded scholarship recipient of the "Gaude Polonia" program of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Poland. Beyond her work with ShockolaD, she is a co-founder of "Jazz Club Lviv" and the "Lviv School of Jazz." She has taught piano, jazz harmony, and improvisation at the Lviv National Academy of Music from 2014 to 2022 and continues her musical journey as pianist and co-creator of the band "KINVA." 

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Igor Hnydyn, one of Ukraine's finest drummers, is a multi-talented artist who works as a composer and performer in projects such as ShockolaD, "Igor Hnydyn Project," and "KINVA." He graduated from the Lviv State Music Academy in 2004, the same year he co-founded ShockolaD. A two-time scholarship recipient of the "Gaude Polonia" program and the Kennedy Center (Washington, USA), Igor has played as a session musician with renowned artists from Ukraine, Europe, and beyond. He is also a co-founder and coordinator of "Jazz Club Lviv" and international jazz masterclasses "Cho-Jazz" in Ukraine. Additionally, he is a founder of the Lviv School of Jazz and Contemporary Music and was instrumental in establishing the jazz department at the Lviv National Music Academy. 

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In 2018 Igor and Anastasija received a medal «Meritorious for Polish Culture» from Polish Minister of Culture for their 10-year collaboration between Ukrainian and Polish Culture. As one of Ukraine’s most successful world music ensembles, ShockolaD performs regularly at major festivals and venues in Ukraine, Europe, Canada and USA. Their fearless exploration of styles blends improvisation, original ideas, and cultural motifs, producing music that resonates deeply with audiences. 

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Each album is a unique synthesis of electronics and acoustics, tradition and innovation, reflecting the band’s commitment to constant evolution. Their live performances are dynamic and immersive, creating unforgettable moments of emotional and energetic exchange between the band and their audience.

 

Festivals:

ShockolaD has performed at prestigious festivals across Europe and beyond, including:

• IVASYUK (USA Tour)

• McEwan University and Yarbird Suite Jazz Club (Edmonton, AB, Canada)

• Jazz Bez (Lviv, Ukraine)

• Fliugery Lvova (Lviv, Ukraine)

• Starzy i Mlodzi, chili jazz w Krakowie (Krakow, Poland)

• Art Machine (Vilnius, Lithuania)

• XIX Festival of Ukrainian Culture (Sopot, Poland)

• Amiens Jazz Festival (Amiens, France)

• Alfa Jazz Fest (Lviv, Ukraine)

• Europejski Stadion Kultury (Rzeszow, Poland)

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Albums:

ShockolaD’s diverse discography reflects their constant evolution and innovation:

• 2008 – “Number One”

• 2009 – “Pokosy”

• 2010 – “ShockolaD+PL. Live with Leopolis Orchestra”

• 2010 – “Christmas Night with Good Jazz”

• 2012 – “World”

• 2016 – “NOVA”

• 2018 – “IVASYUK” (Bria Blessing & ShockolaD)  

With a commitment to creativity and cultural exchange, ShockolaD continues to inspire audiences worldwide, offering a musical journey that is as engaging as it is transformative.

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