Watching a cimbalom performance can feel hypnotic. When Nick Mishi played, audiences would give standing ovations. From childhood, Nick displayed an extraordinary talent for the cimbalom. Read more in this article on edmontonski about how his performances mesmerized people.
How It All Began
Nick was just eight years old when he first played the cimbalom, and he fell in love with the instrument. This happened the day his uncle Mykhailo, a professional kapellmeister, introduced him to the cimbalom. The unique string instrument, often called a hammered dulcimer, captivated him. From that moment on, the cimbalom became an integral part of Nick’s life.
Nick’s remarkable talent enchanted many. He actively performed at concerts across Edmonton, with his hands darting swiftly across the strings. In one of his interviews, Nick mentioned that his heart carried the melody of traditional Ukrainian songs.
Nick was born in Ukraine but later emigrated to Edmonton. At the age of ten, he played in his uncle’s band at weddings and parties throughout Bukovyna. There was always something new and exciting to see. His childhood was vibrant and full of music. He rarely attended school, opting instead to self-study, perform, and earn money. By the age of 12, Nick was considered the best cimbalom player in Ukraine.
After World War I, Romania annexed Bukovyna. Nick, unwilling to serve in the Romanian army, fled to Canada. He arrived in Halifax in 1928 and followed his instincts, which guided him westward. Edmonton became his new home.
In an interview, Nick recalled his memories of emigrating to Edmonton. He arrived on a weekend and by Monday had found his first job with the Canadian railway, earning 25 cents for 10 hours of work. His food and lodging cost him $1 per day. Although it wasn’t much money, it was enough to get by.
Two years after settling in Edmonton, Nick was working near Gainford when a coworker asked if he could play the cimbalom. Since he had left his cimbalom in Ukraine, the two went to an Edmonton store to purchase a new one.
The instrument cost $47—a significant sum for a young man earning 28 cents a day. Still, Nick knew he needed it. He chose a handmade instrument crafted from Manitoba maple, which served him faithfully for over 75 years.
Playing in Edmonton
This marked the beginning of Nick’s public performances. When he brought out his magical instrument, it seemed to fill the room with a radiant glow. The vibrant, resonant sound of the cimbalom captivated everyone.
Fans were enthralled by his skill. Over nearly 90 years, Nick performed in more than 1,000 concerts, appeared on numerous radio programs, recorded several albums, and received prestigious Canadian awards. In the summer of 1994, he was inducted into the Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Fame. He also won first place in the “Master” category at Ukraine’s National Amateur Music Festival.
Nick’s repertoire included hundreds of traditional Ukrainian folk songs. Along the way, he taught many young musicians how to play the cimbalom. Despite his advanced age, Nick’s talent remained undiminished. Remarkably, he never learned to read sheet music, relying solely on his ear to perform.
He composed music for various groups, including the University of Alberta Chamber Orchestra and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Nick outlived two wives and, even in his nineties, maintained his independence—living in his own home and caring for his property. He continued driving until he was 99 years old.
In his later years, Nick still played the cimbalom for special occasions but often declined public performances.