Petro Priymak Has Died
Ukrainian National Opera soloist Petro Priymak passed away on April 5, 2023, at the age of 58. Priymak was a leading baritone at the National Opera of Ukraine and held the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine. His colleague, Anatoliy Solovyanenko, announced the death, expressing his condolences with the following statement:
'It is hard to believe and accept, for just the day before yesterday he was singing in the opera Carmen. As it turned out, for the last time... May your memory be eternal, dear Friend.' Anatoliy Solovyanenko
His death follows the tragic loss of his twin brother just last year, marking a devastating period for Ukraine's cultural community.
Artistic Career
Petro Priymak was born on July 9, 1968, in the village of Sadky, Zalishensky district, Ternopil region. He and his twin brother, Pavlo, began their artistic careers in 1984 at the Chernivtsi Philharmonic. The brothers distinguished themselves as opera singers, graduating from the Chernivtsi Music College in 1988 and later from the Kyiv State Conservatory in the class of K. Ohnievyi in 1994. Petro was 40 minutes older than Pavlo and was a baritone, while Pavlo was a tenor.
Throughout their careers, Petro and Pavlo Priymak performed on many stages, including solo concerts at:
- The National Philharmonic of Ukraine in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000
- The National Opera of Ukraine in 1996 and 1997
In 2023, Petro lost his twin brother Pavlo, who died in a traffic accident. This loss was a heavy blow for the artist, who had dedicated his life to his art.
The death of Petro Priymak is a significant loss for Ukrainian culture, particularly for its operatic art. His contribution to the development of Ukrainian music and singing, as well as his stage performances, left a vivid mark on the hearts of admirers. The loss of both Priymak brothers in a short span of time underscores the tragic circumstances faced by many artists and invites reflection on supporting cultural figures during difficult times.