Why a Former Director Ended His Collaboration with Sofia Rotaru After 2014

The End of the Professional Bond Between Ihor Kuryliv and Sofia Rotaru

According to Главком: Ihor Kuryliv, who leads the Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir and once managed Sofia Rotaru’s concert programs, has opened up about why their working relationship came to a halt in 2014. In an interview with Glavkom, he explained that the decision was made against the backdrop of the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war, a conflict that profoundly reshaped cultural and artistic ties between Ukraine and Russia. This period marked a turning point for many Ukrainian artists, who had to navigate shifting loyalties and national identity.

Kuryliv and Rotaru stopped working together after 2014, and he has not traveled to Russia with the singer since.

“That’s it, goodbye-I will never set foot in Russia again,” he emphasized.

He stated that his refusal to go to Russia was driven by clear and understandable reasons. He also added:

“I very formally announced back then that I would no longer go there for obvious reasons.”

Ongoing Support and Personal Connections

Rotaru’s former concert director, Olha Koniakhina, continued to handle her touring schedule. However, Kuryliv remains in touch with the singer’s sister, Aurika Rotaru, indicating that their personal relationship has stayed positive despite the professional split.

“There was no real offense,” Kuryliv noted, pointing out that no conflict arose between him and the singer.

Sofia Rotaru, who resides near Kyiv in Koncha-Zaspa, has been actively supporting Ukrainian troops through her charitable foundation.

“I usually send greetings, but I didn’t congratulate her on her last birthday because she wasn’t in Ukraine,” Kuryliv added.

He reflected on how their circumstances have changed and recalled a memory of Rotaru dreaming about a shared home:

“Sofia once told me: ‘I’ll build a little house for you here too. You’ll raise ducks and geese...’”

Ultimately, the end of the collaboration between Ihor Kuryliv and Sofia Rotaru stemmed not only from personal choices but also from the objective conditions created by the geopolitical situation in Ukraine.

This case illustrates how cultural bonds can evolve amid political and military conflicts. It also highlights the growing priority for many Ukrainian artists to support the country’s military and society at large. Despite their professional separation, the personal rapport between Kuryliv and Rotaru remains warm, underscoring a lasting friendship that has endured through challenging times.

While Ihor Kuryliv reflects on his professional split from Sofia Rotaru, her sister, Aurika Rotaru, shares her aspirations for future musical collaborations. This insight into Aurika's ambitions not only highlights the enduring talent within the Rotaru family but also underscores the ongoing impact of their personal and professional relationships amid changing times.