In April 2023 the Ukrainian Classical Voice Project presented a week-long residency at UNL’s Glenn Korff School of Music which offered several Ukrainian diction group classes, as well as individual coachings on IPA transcription, pronunciation, physiological nuances of specific language-related vocal delivery, dramatic presentation and Ukrainian music history.

The residency culminated in a final lecture recital highlighting the rarely-heard vocal works of the underrepresented composers of Ukraine, and featuring the students and distinguished faculty members of the institution.

Dr. Suna Avci Gunther, Prof. Amy Guevara and Prof. Brianna Smith were joined by students Reagan Hinze, Cali Mah and Amy Johnson, as they masterfully performed the art songs and arias by Ukrainian composers Stefania Turkewich, Kyrylo Stetsenko, Dmytro Bortnyansky, Anatoly Kos-Anatolsky, Vitaliy Kyreiko and Denys Sichynsky. The recital was presented during the school convocation in an effort to share these unique pieces with the entire student body. Special thanks for the outstanding piano accompaniment are owed to Dr. Denis Plutalov.

The level of preparation, work ethic, enthusiasm and the sincere desire of this outstanding school’s team to promote the message of peace and freedom in the time of war is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As we witnessed these singers breathe new life into Ukrainian masterpieces in the 21st century, our hearts grew several sizes. Thank you for being the voice of change, UNL Huskers!