Vadym Yatsenko Leaves His Post at Lviv Opera
Vadym Yatsenko, a Ukrainian Honored Artist, has announced his resignation as chief choirmaster of the Lviv Opera. He shared the news on his Facebook page on June 27. Notably, Yatsenko also serves as artistic director of the Lviv Municipal Choir 'Homin.' Following his departure from the opera house, he is the leading candidate to take over the National Honored Academic Ukrainian Folk Choir named after Hryhorii Veryovka.
Musicologist Yurii Chekan, who has closely followed Yatsenko's work, highlighted the choir's growth after the premiere of the opera 'Turandot' at the Lviv Opera in 2020. Reflecting on his journey, Yatsenko remarked:
'Back then, different people would walk through the opera house and, seeing my terrified eyes, tell me that there were simply no people in Lviv who could improve this choir. There are no singers! And anyway—everything is fine as is. As it turned out, you just had to know where to look.' - Vadym Yatsenko
Currently, Ukraine's Ministry of Culture is preparing to appoint a new leader for the Veryovka Choir. Ihor Kuryliv has been serving as acting general director and artistic director of the choir for over four and a half years. A meeting of the Veryovka Choir ensemble, where the Ministry's decision will be announced, is scheduled for June 29 at 12:30 PM.
In his statement, Yatsenko expressed gratitude to Vasyl Vovkun, general director of the Lviv Opera, for their collaboration, adding:
'I am leaving the theater, but now the theater will never leave me. I love everyone! Don't cry. I'll come back to check! What's next—even more interesting!' - Vadym Yatsenko
Yatsenko's Achievements and Future Plans
Yatsenko moved from Kyiv to Lviv in April 2018 at the age of 24. His talent and accomplishments were formally recognized in 2022 when the president awarded him the honorary title 'Honored Artist of Ukraine.' Beyond his musical career, Yatsenko became the owner of a 2025 Peugeot 3008, valued at over $30,000. The vehicle was registered in April 2026, and he serves as a brand ambassador for the French automaker Peugeot.
Yatsenko's departure from the Lviv Opera opens new avenues for the Ukrainian music scene. His experience at the opera house and successes with the Lviv Municipal Choir 'Homin' underscore his professionalism and ability to elevate choral singing standards in Ukraine. The upcoming appointment of a new Veryovka Choir leader could also shape the country's cultural landscape, given the ensemble's significance in Ukrainian musical tradition.
As the cultural landscape shifts with Vadym Yatsenko's departure, the focus now turns to the upcoming changes within the Veryovka Choir. With the Ministry of Culture preparing to announce a new leader, the future of this esteemed ensemble is at a pivotal moment. To understand the implications of this leadership transition, you can read more about the Ministry's plans for the choir here.