Modern Ukrainian choral art through the prism of patriotism

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive study of transformational processes in Ukrainian choral art within the context of the full-scale war and national-cultural revival. Choral singing is analyzed not only as an aesthetic phenomenon but also as Ukraine’s “soft power” on the international stage and a means of social solidarity within the country. The research methodology is based on a combination of general scientific and specialized musicological methods, including cultural, comparative, and functional approaches, which make it possible to analyze the role of choral art as a tool of cultural diplomacy, national self-identification, social cohesion, and art-therapeutic support for Ukrainian society in times of war. It is proven that the modern choir acts as a relay of national memory through three strategic directions: the rehabilitation of works from the “Executed Renaissance”, the use of neo-folkloric approaches in modern arrangements, and the creation of a musical chronicle of the contemporary struggle (works dedicated to the events at Azovstal, and the tragedies in Bucha and Mariupol). Particular attention is paid to the concept of the “musical front”, where choral art fulfills a mission of cultural diplomacy, asserting Ukrainian subjectivity in the global cultural space. The article examines in detail innovative forms of choral performance, including choral performance art, theatricalization, fusion with electronic music, and digitalization (virtual choir projects). It is established that such experiments allow patriotic songs to resonate with younger audiences and adapt to the demands of the 21st century without losing their sacred essence. The socio-psychological function of the choir as an instrument of art therapy and volunteer activism is analyzed separately, highlighting its role in helping communities overcome the trauma of war and integrating internally displaced persons into new cultural environments. It is emphasized that Ukrainian choral art today represents a synthesis of deep tradition and acute relevance. It has transformed into a dynamic space where the idea of “sobornist” (unity) is embodied through the harmony of polyphony. The research results confirm that Ukrainian choral culture serves as fundamental evidence of the nation’s resilience, capable of asserting its right to a free future through the preservation and development of a unique artistic code.