The image of Ukrainian baritones Mykola Koval, Roman Maiboroda and Ivan Ponomarenko in the multimedia space: analysis and perspectives

Abstract

The article examines the analytical aspects of presenting the Ukrainian baritone school in modern multimedia and its role in preserving and popularizing national vocal art. It emphasizes the diversity of forms and genres of Ukrainian singers’ recordings available on social media platforms and notes such recordings’ historical and methodological significance. The article pays particular attention to the digitalization of recordings of legendary representatives of the Ukrainian baritone school and their role in researching the history of Ukrainian performance art and shaping the skills of young Ukrainian singers. This work analyzes and compares the personal artistic performing images of the prominent Ukrainian baritones of the late 20th and early 21st centuries – Mykola Koval, Roman Maiboroda, and Ivan Ponomarenko. It highlights the repertoire of these performers presented online in the context of social demand. It underscores the importance of the broad genre spectrum represented by legendary Ukrainian baritones in the international digital archive, ranging from folk song arrangements and popular songs of the late 20th century to opera scenes and even complete opera performance recordings. The study notes the adaptation of the Ukrainian baritone school to the preferences of diverse audiences across age groups and regions. It also examines multimedia integration into performance practice, focusing on the increasing demand for high-quality recordings and their dissemination via platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. This work positions the Ukrainian baritone school as a unique phenomenon that blends centuries-old traditions with modern innovations. It recognizes multimedia as a vital platform offering tools to create new cultural content formats and share Ukrainian culture’s achievements with a global audience. Finally, the investigation stresses the importance of preserving and promoting digitized recordings of renowned Ukrainian baritones to enhance national identity and emphasize the value of Ukraine’s cultural heritage within the framework of global digitalization.