WORSHIP PRACTICES AND CONCERT ACTIVITIES OF PROTESTANT CHOIRS IN KYIV IN THE LATE 20TH AND EARLY 21ST CENTURIES

Abstract

This article uses the example of Adventist and Baptist communities in Kyiv to describe the distinctive features of worship practices and concert activities of Protestant choirs from the late 20th century to the present day. It identifies the dynamics of the formation of leading Adventist choirs, including the Chamber Choir of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Republican Choir of Seventh-day Adventists, the United Choir of Seventh-day Adventists, the Blagovist ensemble, and the Kyiv Church Chamber Choir. The creative path of Baptist groups is examined, in particular the Second Choir of the House of the Gospel Church and the Kyiv United Youth Choir, which became centres for the development of academic vocal and choral traditions in Baptist church practice. The role of conductors V. Koziarevskyi, K. Lysak, K. Yevtushok, O. Kreshchuk, S. Bilokin, and V. Bolgar in the professional growth of choral ensembles is highlighted. It is proven that their professional approaches, based on the principles of academic vocal and choral art, contributed to the improvement of the choirs' performing skills. The conceptual principles of forming a liturgical and concert repertoire which covers both the classical spiritual heritage and the works of contemporary composers, are revealed. The touring activities of the ensembles in Ukraine and abroad are highlighted, and their participation in sacred music festivals is noted. Special attention is paid to the discography of the ensembles, in particular the landmark recording of the Seventh-day Adventist Church choir conducted by V. Koziarevskyi by the Melody company, which gave impetus to the intensification of spiritual and educational activities. The common and distinctive features of the development of Baptist and Adventist choirs are summarised, and their role in representing Protestant musical art in the Ukrainian cultural space of the period under study is substantiated