The Real Reason Concerts Start Late
Vadym Yatsenko, a soloist with the Lviv choir "Homín," has offered an explanation for the frequent delays in concert start times. According to Yatsenko, who also serves as the chief choirmaster of the Lviv Opera and the artistic director of "Homín," the artists are ready and waiting backstage three to four hours before the performance. The primary cause of the hold-up, he states, is the slow and often late seating of the audience. Even for a concert scheduled for 6:00 PM, the performers must wait until all ticketholders have found their seats, a process that can drag on well past the advertised start time.
This perspective was met with mixed reactions on social media. One user, helga.lorents, expressed a common frustration among concertgoers, commenting:
"Why don't the artists respect people's time? You arrive early for a concert starting at 6:00 PM, and do you think the artists come out? No!" - helga.lorents
In response, Yatsenko reiterated that delays are almost exclusively a consequence of audience behavior, not the performers' lack of preparedness. This is a familiar point of contention in live performance venues worldwide.
Social Responsibility of the "Homín" Choir
Beyond the stage, the "Homín" choir has announced plans to donate 1 million hryvnias to aid victims of a rocket strike on Ternopil that occurred on November 19. The choir actively collaborates with the platform Teatr.org.ua, underscoring its commitment to social responsibility and a desire to support people during difficult times.
While late starts can negatively impact the concert experience, initiatives like this donation highlight the vital role cultural institutions can play in community support. The choir's actions demonstrate how artistic groups are increasingly engaging with broader societal issues, particularly in times of crisis.