Chamber Ensembles
Dyvohrai
- Artistic Director: Vadym Chornokondratenko, kobza, sopilka, ocarina, horns, folk percussion
- Nina Chornokondratenko, domra, sopilka, folk percussion
- Roman Onyskiv, button accordion
- Tetiana Voinarovska, violin
- Mykhailo Bandura, bass kobza
The Dyvohrai Ensemble is a dynamic chamber group of folk instruments based at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. Founded in 1988 by Yevhen and Vadym Chornokondratenko, the ensemble has become one of Ukraine’s most distinctive voices, presenting national instrumental traditions on the concert stage.
Over the years, many musicians, including Vitalii Kyryienko (bass kobza), Oksana Feniuk and Olha Chornokondratenko (violin), and Vadym Darmostuk and Volodymyr Marunych (button accordion), were members of the Ensemble.
The Dyvohrai Ensemble combines authenticity, virtuosity, and theatrical energy to create its unique artistic voice. Its versatile approach enables it to perform in both the classical chamber style and the tradition of folk instrumental ensembles, with a repertoire that includes arrangements of Ukrainian folk melodies, music from around the world, as well as classical and contemporary works.
The ensemble regularly performs at the Lysenko Column Hall of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine and other concert venues, collaborating with leading vocalists and instrumental soloists.
The Dyvohrai Ensemble has toured extensively across Ukraine and abroad, with appearances in Moldova, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark, proudly representing Ukrainian musical culture on international stages.
The ensemble has recordings in the Ukrainian Radio archives. Two musical films, “A Journey with ‘Dyvohrai’” and “My Heart is Burning,” featuring the ensemble along with Hryhorii Harkusha and Lidiia Kondrashevska were produced.
“Ukrainian musicians perform with such sincerity, virtuosity, and professionalism that they transform folk music into high art…”
Südkurier, Switzerland
“The Dyvohrai Ensemble impressed audiences with its blend of folk, classical, and jazz music—all delivered with great charm…”
Lolland-Falsters Folketidende, Denmark
“The musicians of Dyvohrai are constantly in motion, changing instruments and musical styles… the stage is filled with a joyful atmosphere throughout the performance…”
LT – Länstidningen Södertälje, Sweden