Celebrating 81 Years: The Legacy of Poet and Playwright Yuriy Rybchynskyi

Yuriy Rybchynskyi at 81: A Life in Poetry and Drama

According to Главком: Born on May 22, 1945, in Kyiv, Yuriy Rybchynskyi is a towering figure in modern Ukrainian culture. A key architect of contemporary Ukrainian pop music, he has penned over 150 poems that were later set to music. His career has seen fruitful collaborations with renowned composers such as Volodymyr Ivasyuk, Ihor Poklad, Pavlo Zibrov, and Mykola Mozghovyi.

Career Milestones and Creative Achievements

A graduate of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Rybchynskyi had his first works published at just 18. In partnership with various composers, he produced timeless hits, including:

• "Klenovyi Vohon" (Maple Fire)
• "U Doli Svoya Vesna" (Spring Has Its Own Destiny)
• "Osinnia Pisnia" (Autumn Song)
• "Dyki Husy" (Wild Geese)
• "Charivna Skrypka" (Magic Violin)
• "Teche Voda" (Water Flows)
• "Zelen-Klen" (Green Maple)

Other well-known songs featuring his lyrics include:

• "Try Porady" by Ihor Shamo
• "Mynaye Den" and "Znov Ya v Hory Ydu" by Mykola Mozghovyi
• "Vivat, Korol..." by Hennadiy Tatarchenko
• "Khreshchatyk" by Pavlo Zibrov
• "Samota" by Natalia Mohylevska

Rybchynskyi has received numerous honors for his work. In 1995, he was named an Honored Artist of Ukraine, and in 2000, he earned the title of People's Artist of Ukraine. In 2020, he was awarded the Order of the State. He also holds the title of Hero of Ukraine, along with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise and the Presidential Award National Legend of Ukraine.

On May 10, the National Palace of Arts "Ukraina" hosted a concert titled "Legends of Ukraine. Golden Hits," where the Hryhoriy Veryovka Choir performed Rybchynskyi's most iconic songs. Notably, his creative partnership with composer Ihor Poklad began in 1966 in Kyiv, while Rybchynskyi was serving in the Internal Troops Ensemble in Podil. They soon agreed to collaborate for at least seven years. Poklad passed away on July 9, 2025, but their joint legacy lives on in songs that have become classics of Ukrainian pop music.

"Yuriy Rybchynskyi is a vital figure in Ukrainian culture. His contributions to music and poetry have helped shape the modern Ukrainian pop song." - Source unknown

Celebrating his work not only highlights its significance but also helps preserve and promote Ukraine's musical heritage. Concerts and events honoring figures like Rybchynskyi play a crucial role in recognizing their art and introducing it to new generations.

As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Yuriy Rybchynskyi, it's also worth noting the recent performance by the Hryhoriy Veryovka Choir, which captivated audiences with his legendary hits. This concert not only highlighted Rybchynskyi's enduring influence on Ukrainian music but also drew a sold-out crowd, showcasing the timeless appeal of his work. For more details on this memorable event, you can read about the legendary concert that celebrated his iconic songs.