Challenges Facing the Hryhorii Veryovka Ukrainian National Folk Choir
The Hryhorii Veryovka Ukrainian National Folk Choir, a prestigious state-sponsored ensemble, is grappling with a severe shortage of male performers due to military conscription and limited draft deferment options. In an interview with Glavkom, the choir's General Director and Artistic Director, Ihor Kuryliv, revealed that several male artists have left the group to join other creative ensembles that offer broader eligibility for exemption from military service. Currently, three choir members are actively serving in the armed forces.
Veryovka Choir is only permitted to exempt 50% of its conscription-eligible staff, while other cultural institutions such as the Banduryst Capella and the National Orchestra of Folk Instruments enjoy full 100% exemption status. Kuryliv emphasized:
“We have a 50% exemption rate (of those liable for military service). Meanwhile, the Banduryst Capella and the National Orchestra of Folk Instruments have 100%.”
At one of the choir's recent performances, only 15 men were present. According to Kuryliv, “one never showed up because he’s afraid to leave his house for fear of being detained.” He added that the insufficient exemption policy has caused a drastic reduction in male personnel: “With this lack of deferments, seven of my guys have simply vanished into thin air.”
Kuryliv also recounted an incident where a choir employee who held a valid exemption was taken by a Territorial Recruitment Center (TCC), held for three hours, and then released. “This is a disaster,” he remarked. The situation was further complicated by government changes on May 30, which revised the rules for exempting workers at critical enterprises. Current exemptions and the status of critical enterprises remain valid until September 1, 2026.
The State of Cultural Contribution in Ukraine
Kuryliv expressed bewilderment over how the Veryovka Choir is treated, stating: “I simply cannot understand the attitude toward the Veryovka Choir. I’m surprised that every time new people come to power, they feel the need to restructure everything.” The choir's artists support their leader and are questioning whether any action will be taken to resolve the exemption issue.
While there are currently no problems with obtaining permits for international tours, the shortage of male singers remains a pressing concern that requires an urgent solution.
The predicament facing the Hryhorii Veryovka Ukrainian National Folk Choir highlights broader challenges for cultural and artistic institutions in Ukraine during wartime mobilization. A lack of performers threatens the choir's activities, which in turn risks diminishing the country's cultural output. Addressing the disparity in draft deferments should be a priority for the state to preserve Ukrainian folk art traditions amid modern challenges.