Conductor Vadym Yatsenko Leaves Lviv Opera to Take the Helm of the Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir

Yatsenko's Departure and the Challenges Ahead

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: On June 29, conductor Vadym Yatsenko announced his resignation from the Lviv Opera and his decision to lead the Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir. In this new role, Yatsenko stresses the urgent need to tackle both administrative and artistic issues, describing the choir's current state as 'quite neglected' and warning that much work lies ahead.

Vision for the Future

Yatsenko views the Veryovka Choir as a product of the Soviet system, which shaped the image of Ukrainians to fit its own ideology. Consequently, one of his primary goals as the new leader will be to overcome what he sees as an inferiority complex within the ensemble.

“Without digging too deep, we can say that the Veryovka Choir is a product of the Soviet system, designed to present Ukrainians in the way that system wanted to see them,” says Vadym Yatsenko.

Yatsenko also plans to expand the repertoire of Ukrainian folk songs and collaborate with Ukrainian clothing brands.

“I have great respect for all popular music performers, but one of the country's leading musical ensembles cannot be just a backing vocal for just anyone. We will not allow that,” Yatsenko states.

He intends to continue his work with the Homin Choir as well, hoping for positive changes and the advancement of Ukrainian ethnic culture through new visual approaches.

This appointment could mark a significant step forward for Ukrainian choral culture. By focusing on emotional and cultural depth in the repertoire and partnering with contemporary Ukrainian brands, Yatsenko may help modernize the Veryovka Choir's image. Given his plans, we can expect renewed efforts to raise the group's professional standards and strengthen its ties to modern cultural trends in Ukraine.

Yatsenko's transition to the Veryovka Choir comes at a time when the ensemble is in need of revitalization. His previous experience as choirmaster at the Lviv Opera provides a solid foundation for his new role. To understand the significance of this appointment, it is worth noting how another former choirmaster has influenced the choral landscape in Ukraine. For more insights on this transition, read about the former Lviv Opera choirmaster's new position.