Contemporary vocal and choral performance : trends and insights

Abstract

The presented research examines the dynamic landscape of Ukrainian vocal and choral performance through the prism of artistic challenges and transformations of the 21st century. The authors focus on the multifaceted nature of the genre, where the regeneration of archaic layers of Orthodox spiritual singing organically intertwines with practices of historically informed performance and bold experiments based on modern dramatic theater. Special emphasis is placed on the conceptual change in the functions of the choir in the theatrical space: today it is not just a static background, but a full-fledged acting subject that operates with a synthesis of academic vocals, historically informed performance, folklore authenticity, and pop manners. The article proves that the modern stage dictates a request for the universalization of the performer and active diffusion with digital technologies. At the same time, analyzing the experience of the 2024 conductor competitions, the researchers substantiate the phenomenon of choral consolidation as a strategic response of the artistic community to the challenges of war. As a result, vocal and choral art appears as a flexible system that preserves the national code, adapting to the demands of the time.