A Rare Reunion in Lviv: Smereka Legends Zinkevych and Dvorsky Meet Again

A Landmark Gathering of Ukrainian Music Icons

According to Главком: Two titans of Ukrainian music, singers Vasyl Zinkevych and Pavlo Dvorsky, shared a special moment at the Lviv Opera on March 2. The event took place during the 'Chervona Ruta' concert, held to honor the birthday of the renowned composer Volodymyr Ivasiuk. Both artists, who launched their careers in the vocal-instrumental ensemble 'Smereka,' came together once more to pay tribute to the great composer and reminisce about their shared creative journey. For international audiences, 'Smereka' was a foundational group that helped shape the modern sound of Ukrainian popular music.

The Legacy of the 'Smereka' Ensemble

The ensemble 'Smereka' was founded by Levko Dutkovsky in 1966 at the Vyzhnytsia District House of Culture. Its instrumental lineup featured three electric guitars (lead, rhythm, bass), a drum kit, and an electric organ. Vasyl Zinkevych, who celebrated his 80th birthday last year, fronted 'Smereka' from 1968 to 1973; he was around 21 or 22 years old when he joined in 1968. Notably, Zinkevych was the first male soloist in the originally all-female VIA 'Smereka.' Pavlo Dvorsky became a member in 1976 at the age of 23, and Nazariy Yaremchuk began singing with the group in 1969.

'Smereka' performed music in the big-beat style, blending folk melodies with elements of pop, rock, and the folklore of the Hutsul and Bukovyna regions. Their innovative fusion created a uniquely Ukrainian sound that resonated deeply with the public.

Pavlo Dvorsky shared his memories of meeting with Zinkevych, noting:

“This photo from the dressing room of the Lviv Opera captured a moment of our reunion with Vasyl Zinkevych. It was as if we were transported back to the days of 'Smereka.' We reminisced about our creative work, life on tour, and those funny incidents that still bring a sincere smile to our faces.” – Pavlo Dvorsky

He also expressed gratitude to Zinkevych for performing his songs, stating: 'I am glad that in his time he sang my 'Music of Spring' and 'Silver Eyes.' Vasyl felt them incredibly deeply and performed them, pouring his unique soul into them. Thank you, Maestro, for this conversation and for our many years of creative friendship!'

Vasyl Zinkevych, for his part, offered his thoughts on the meeting, saying simply: 'It is not yet time.' These words suggest that memories of past times and their creative work still live vividly in the hearts of both artists, who have become an integral part of Ukrainian musical culture.

The reunion of Vasyl Zinkevych and Pavlo Dvorsky was a significant event not only for the artists themselves but also for admirers of Ukrainian music who remember their contribution to the genre's development. Honoring the memory of Volodymyr Ivasiuk through the work of these legendary performers underscores the importance of Ukraine's cultural traditions and heritage. Such events help preserve history and foster the growth of the Ukrainian music scene, reminding us of the vital creative connections between generations of artists.