Vadym Kryshchenko at 91: A Life in Song and the Honor of Kyiv Citizenship

Vadym Kryshchenko Turns 91

According to Главком: On April 1st, the distinguished Ukrainian poet and songwriter Vadym Dmytrovych Kryshchenko celebrates his 91st birthday. A major figure in Ukrainian culture, he is the author of more than 50 poetry collections and approximately 1,000 songs. His numerous honors include being named a People's Artist of Ukraine, a Merited Cultural Worker of Ukraine, and a member of the National Writers' Union of Ukraine. He holds the Order of Yaroslav the Wise and is a laureate of several prestigious awards, including those named for Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky, Andriy Malyshko, and Dmytro Lutsenko.

Life and Creative Journey

Kryshchenko was born in Zhytomyr but spent his childhood in the village of Hlybochok, Baranivka district, where his parents worked as teachers. A street in Hlybochok bears his name, and the school he attended houses a museum dedicated to his work. His childhood was marked by serious health issues following scarlet fever, and he lost his mother at the age of 14.

In 1953, he moved to Kyiv to study journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. During his studies, he attended a literary studio led by Yuriy Mushketyk, with Vasyl Symonenko serving as its head. After graduating, he worked as a journalist.

Kryshchenko's creative career began with the publication of his first poetry collection, 'Warm Germination,' in 1963. He continued to produce new works for decades; in 2019, the first book of his trilogy, 'Vadym Kryshchenko. Postscript or To Be Continued,' was published. The second volume, 'Vadym Kryshchenko: Autumn, Do Not Call Me Yet...,' followed in 2022, and the third, 'Vadym Kryshchenko. The Magic of the Word,' was released the next year. Beyond his artistic work, he is a professor in the Department of Culturology at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and holds an honorary doctorate from Kyiv University of Technology and Design.

Some of Vadym Kryshchenko's most famous songs include:

• Let's Pour, Brothers, Crystal Goblets
• The One and Only
• Good Luck to You, Good People
• Family
• The Ten Commandments
• Prayer
• May God's Power Protect Everyone
• Bless
• To Be Ukrainian
• Ukraine
• Ukraine, Remember the Heroes
• White Narcissi
• Shore of Love
• Late Meeting
• Fatherland
• Swans of Love
• Glory and Praise to the Ukrainian Army
• I Am a Soldier

Kryshchenko also created a cycle of songs dedicated to Kyiv, which includes:

• Kyiv, My Kyiv
• Blessed Kyiv
• Kyiv Is My Destiny
• Kyiv and Kyivans
• Holosiivsky Waltz
• Holosiivska Star
• My Shevchenkivsky District

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many renowned Ukrainian performers, including Sofia Rotaru, Vasyl Zinkevych, Lilia Sandulesa, Ivo Bobul, the 'Hetman' Quartet, Oksana Bilozir, Ivan Popovych, and Pavlo Dvorsky.

On December 18, 2025, by decision of the Kyiv City Council, Vadym Kryshchenko will be awarded the title of 'Honorary Citizen of the City of Kyiv.' This honor is a testament to his profound impact on Ukrainian culture, which has provided a soundtrack of national identity for generations. The award recognizes not only his personal achievements but also underscores the enduring significance of his creative legacy for Ukrainian society.

Vadym Kryshchenko remains one of the most prominent figures in Ukrainian literature and music, whose work continues to inspire new generations. His songs and poems are integral parts of the nation's cultural heritage, and the recognition he has received at both the state and city levels highlights the importance of his contribution to shaping Ukrainian identity.