CULTURAL FIGURES OF LEV TURKEVYCH AND YEVHEN-OREST SADOVSKYI IN THE CONTEXT OF FUNCTIONING OF UKRAINIAN CHORAL ART IN THE WESTERN DIASPORA

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the beginnings of creative work of Ukrainian conductors Lev Turkevych and Yevhen-Orest Sadovskyi and their choir guidance in Ukraine, in "displaced people camps" of the Western Europe and in emigration to North America. Their contribution to international recognition of the world known male choir "Vatra" and more detailed study of their conducting activities overseas need to be outlined. Research methodology is based on the use of such techniques as system analysis and comparative studies. An attempt to reveal conditions of creative personality formation and to study characteristic features of their artistic achievements has been made. We have tried to compare methods of their work with choirs and individual performing styles on different stages of creativity, both individually and in tight cooperation that led to the success of the Ukrainian choral art in diaspora. The article also deals with psychological differences of the artists, which root from their genealogy, vital circumstances, educational levels, mastering specialty, concomitant ways of artistic selfexpression etc. Scientific innovation of the article lies in the fact that comparative approach to the foreign Ukrainian choral art activists was used for the first time with the purpose to identify historical, socio-cultural and psychological fundaments of their work for the benefit of their native culture. Conclusions. Lev Turkevych and Yevhen-Orest Sadovskyi descended from priests’ families that had distinguished artistic inclinations. However, L. Turkevych gained substantial professional education and Ye.-O. Sadowskyi was more surrounded by theatrical environment, which accordingly had an impact on his conducting skills. Both artists, though L. Turkevych to greater extent, contributed to the successful performances of the choir "Vatra" in the Western Europe in 1946 –1949 years. They conducted church and secular choirs, performed theatre and stage productions, worked with young people, were involved in publishing. L. Turkevych also gained fame as a symphonic conductor. Thus, the two representatives of the Ukrainian choral art in diaspora contributed to its development, function and successful promotion in the world.