Looking Ahead: The Veryovka Choir’s Future
In a recent interview, director Ihor Kuryliv outlined the choir’s path forward, highlighting fresh arrangements, collaborations with emerging musicians, and tours to cities near the front lines. The ensemble is actively developing new musical projects while honoring the legacy of its founder, Hryhorii Veryovka. For instance, the choir recently revisited the composer’s works during a concert, demonstrating a deep respect for his contributions.
Kuryliv noted that people aged 30–35 are now frequent attendees at choir performances. Interestingly, during a concert at the Palace of Ukraine, audience members as young as 18–20 spontaneously sang the song 'Chervona Kalyna' before the show even began. This trend underscores a growing enthusiasm among younger generations for traditional Ukrainian music. The choir has also seen successful partnerships, including a collaboration with Artem Pyvovarov that produced 12 songs, and joint efforts with other well-known artists such as:
- Jamala
- Jerry Heil
- alyona alyona
- Taras Topolia
- Tonia Matviienko
- Skylerr
According to Kuryliv, these young talents often initiate and even invest in the collaborations themselves.
Touring and Overcoming Obstacles
The Veryovka Choir plans to tour various Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro. However, the group faces significant challenges, particularly a shortage of male members due to mobilization, which complicates participation in performances. Kuryliv recounted an incident following a departure from Dnipro when an explosion occurred. He also described a concert in Kremenchuk held during an aerial attack, where the choir performed in a basement shelter.
“An air raid began, we moved to the basement, and part of the audience followed us. We gave a concert down there... People were crying and thanking us,” the choir director shared.
During the interview, Kuryliv also gave a tour of the Veryovka Choir Museum, which houses awards, archival documents, posters, and photographs. One image shows the choir alongside Vasyl Zinkevych, and Kuryliv recalled friendships with renowned Ukrainian artists such as Volodymyr Ivasiuk, Nazarii Yaremchuk, and Levko Dutkivskyi. 'Yes, we’ve been friends since youth,' he said, referring to his colleagues.
Overall, the Veryovka Choir continues its work despite the country’s ongoing challenges. Kuryliv emphasized that folk songs remain the foundation of the choir’s creative identity and unique style. 'For me, that’s what matters most,' he concluded, stressing the importance of preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
The choir’s activities during these difficult times serve as a powerful example of how culture can unite people and boost national morale. Despite wartime hardships, the ensemble persists in touring and launching new projects, reflecting resilience and a commitment to safeguarding Ukrainian traditions. By attracting younger audiences and actively collaborating with contemporary performers, the choir is evolving and adapting—a shift that could enhance its future popularity.
In addition to their ongoing projects, the Veryovka Choir's director has also highlighted the challenges faced by Ukrainian artists in the current climate. This situation is further explored in a recent article discussing how the choir's Russian counterparts have remained silent since February 24. Understanding the broader context of these artistic collaborations can provide valuable insight into the resilience of Ukrainian culture during these trying times. For more details, visit this insightful piece.