Student Choir
Performance of the Choir at Alma Mater 2024
Photo: Viktoriia Yakymenko, Yuliia Haidenko
The Founding of the Choir
The history of choral art at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University began in 1854 when, with the support of Bishop Innocent Borysov, a class for church singing was opened at the university. This became the foundation for the creation of a permanent choir at the university chapel, which existed until the early 20th century.
In 1934, a music-literary-artistic studio was established at the university, with its central element being a choral class comprising 90 participants under the guidance of the renowned choirmaster Oleksandr Perunov. Later, in 1946, a women’s choir emerged at the university, and in 1967, the student choir took first place at the amateur arts festival.
Revival of Activities
A new chapter in the development of university choral art began in 2004. On the eve of the university’s 200th anniversary, the student choir was revived under the name Ad Libitum, meaning “as desired.” This name perfectly reflects the core principle of the group: participants join the choir solely based on their interest and inspiration. Andrii Ivanovych Syrotenko became the artistic director and conductor.
Performance of the Choir at the Graduation Ceremony of Master’s Students, 2017
Photo: Mykhailo Protsenko
Ad Libitum has become an integral part of the cultural life of the university and the city of Kharkiv. The choir’s repertoire includes classical, spiritual, folk, and contemporary works, with most performances being a cappella. Occasionally, performances are accompanied by various musical instruments, adding a unique touch.
Participation in Competitions and Festivals
Before the full-scale invasion, the choir frequently performed on Kharkiv stages, including the Organ Hall and the Palace of Students of KhPI. The group also organized the Karazin Choral Meetings festival with student choirs from other higher education institutions in the city, such as the Medical University, KhPI, and the Law Academy.
The choir's activities extended beyond Kharkiv, with participation in national festivals that allowed audiences in cities like Dnipro, Poltava, and Odesa to enjoy their performances. In 2008, the choir took part in the XXVII International Festival of Church Music "Hajnówka–2008" in Poland.
Ad Libitum participating in a mass performance of the spiritual anthem “Prayer for Ukraine”
Source: www.city.kharkiv.ua
Over the years, Ad Libitum has earned numerous awards, including:
- Grand Prix at the 20th Anniversary International Festival-Competition of Choral Art Southern Palmira in Odesa (2013);
- Winner of the city contest Student Spring–2006;
- Awards at the All-Ukrainian Festival of Sacred Music From Christmas to Christmas (Dnipro, 2007, 2009, 2013);
- Victories at the International Choral Festival Singing Fantasy (2012, 2013).
A significant achievement for the choir was its participation in 2018 in setting the record for the mass performance of the spiritual anthem Prayer for Ukraine. This piece remains a permanent part of the choir’s repertoire.
In 2020, to mark Ukrainian Unity Day, choir members performed Ukrainian songs and the student anthem Gaudeamus at Kharkiv Airport. In October 2023, the choir opened the graduation ceremony for schoolchildren as part of the Karazin Weekends Legacy project.
Along with other choral groups, Ad Libitum participated in classical music concerts in Kharkiv during 2023-2024. In 2024, the choir performed at a charity concert celebrating the 370th anniversary of Kharkiv’s founding, raising over 30,000 UAH, which was donated to support the Achilles strike UAV battalion of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Ivan Sirko.
Performance of the Choir at the University Airport for the Institution’s Anniversary, 20.01.2020
Photo: Viktoriia Yakymenko
The Choir Today
Today, Ad Libitum continues to grow and evolve. Due to many students studying remotely, the choir has welcomed postgraduate students, lecturers, and university staff into its ranks.
Performance of the Choir at Karazin Weekends Legacy: Honoring 220 Years, October 28, 2024
Photo: Kyrylo Dohadov, Kamila Rakhmatillayeva
The choir remains dedicated to balancing respect for traditions with a drive for innovation. Its activities are a vital part of the cultural life of the university, Kharkiv, and Ukraine as a whole.
Performance at the Freshmen Induction Ceremony, August 29, 2024
Photo: Viktoriia Yakymenko, Yuliia Haidenko, Mykhailo Protsenko
The choir consistently supports university events, congratulates graduates and lecturers on their achievements, and represents the university in activities for prospective students.
Stay Updated
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How to Join the Choir?
If you are in Kharkiv and wish to attend choir rehearsals, send a direct message on one of the social media platforms listed above or contact via WhatsApp at +380 (93) 637-87-71 (Oksana Pidopryhora, Choir Director).