Chamber Choir as Creative Entity (Case Study of Drohobych’s “Legend”)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the peculiarities of the creative activity of the municipal chamber choir "Legend" under the leadership of Natalia Samokishyn. Research methodology. The methodological basis of the article consists of general scientific theoretical methods of systematisation and generalisation to reproduce the characteristics of the rehearsal and concert practice of the chamber choir “Legend”. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that for the first time, the period of the choir’s activity (2013-2023) under the direction of Natalia Samokishyn is characterised, the main methodological principles of her work, repertoire priorities, and key moments in the “Legend’s” activity are identified. Conclusions. Choral performance at the modern stage develops in accordance with socio-cultural circumstances and audience demands. It tends towards the “chamberisation” of choral art, the emergence of small-scale choral groups. This is dictated by both economic issues and the desire to provide the performance of musical works with minimal resources. Ukrainian choral art, presented at the modern stage mostly by chamber choral ensembles, is a vibrant phenomenon of national culture characterised by a “cathedral” beginning with the function of collective consciousness. The principles of creative practice of the “Legend” municipal chamber choir (Drohobych town), which combines traditions and innovations in the search for performance techniques, repertoire palette, interpretational versions, and stage “image”, are revealed. The ensemble successfully demonstrates that among all directions of contemporary sound art, choral music stands out with significant semantic content, making it crucial for the artistic interpretation of themes and musical technologies updated in the present day.

Keywords: choral performance, chamber choir, Drohobych’s “Legend”, repertoire, creative activity.