Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic

Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic: the musical heart of Bukovyna

The Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic named after Dmytro Hnatiuk is a place impossible to pass without stopping: its elegant, stylish building sets the architectural tone for the entire surrounding area and always catches the eyes of passers-by.

Modern legends of Ukrainian music such as Nazariy Yaremchuk, Vasyl Zinkevych, Sofia Rotaru, Ivo Bobul and Pavlo Dvorskyi began their creative careers within the walls of the Philharmonic. Among the world stars who performed on the Chernivtsi stage were Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, American pianist of Jewish descent Arthur Rubinstein, Ukrainian opera diva Solomiia Krushelnytska and many other prominent figures.

History of the institution

The history of the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic dates back to the mid-19th century. It was in 1862 that local music lovers founded the «Society for the Promotion of Musical Art in Bukovyna», commonly known in abbreviated form as the «Music Society». In essence, the organization performed the functions of a city philharmonic and made considerable efforts to establish a dedicated concert venue. Thus, the «Concert Hall» appeared in Chernivtsi – an important centre of the city’s cultural and artistic life.

The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the future building took place on May 29, 1876. The construction site was decorated with flowers, wreaths, flags and coats of arms, while the building itself was constructed in 1876–1877. There is a version that an urn containing a message for future generations was placed in the eastern part of the foundation.

The official birthday of the Philharmonic is considered to be July 8, 1940. A folk choir and a concert troupe operated at the institution. During the occupation of the Chernivtsi region by Romanian-German forces, almost the entire creative staff continued working in evacuation. After the liberation of Northern Bukovyna in 1944, the Philharmonic actively resumed its concert activities.

An interesting fact is that the building was initially planned to be used as a theatre. However, the original concept was changed while it was still under construction.

The modern period

After Ukraine declared independence, the philharmonic life of Bukovyna received new impetus. The institution’s programme featured performances by the P. Virskyi National Academic Dance Ensemble, the L. Revutskyi Men’s Chapel, the «Dumka» Academic Choral Chapel and a bandura ensemble from the USA. At the same time, the international activities of the Philharmonic’s creative ensembles expanded. They were greeted with ovations in the Netherlands and Italy, Canada and Germany, Poland and Romania, Slovakia and France.

On August 18, 1992 – on the eve of the first anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day – the Organ and Chamber Music Hall was ceremonially opened.

In 2016, the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic was named after the outstanding Ukrainian opera singer Dmytro Hnatiuk. And in 2020, the building was adapted for people with special needs. Today, the institution is expanding its creative potential and holds more than five hundred concerts every year.

Architectural ensemble

The Philharmonic building is an architectural monument of the 19th century. It was constructed in the Classicist style, drawing inspiration from the architecture of Vienna’s music buildings. Restrained decoration, harmonious facade proportions and refined simplicity of form create a distinctive architectural image.

The interior spaces are no less interesting. They preserve a cosy atmosphere and authentic wall paintings created by the Viennese painter and professor Karl Jobst, who was also known in Chernivtsi for his work on the Three Saints Church.

Restoration work began in the building in 2008 and was fully completed in 2010. One of the Philharmonic’s main features is its natural acoustics, which allow both symphonic instruments and live vocals to sound clear and powerful.

Hall features and capacity

The main concert hall has 557 seats across two floors and a convenient stage for various programme formats. The Philharmonic also operates the Organ Hall, located in the former Armenian Church, with 240 seats.

The two-storey Philharmonic building includes:

• a large concert hall with a stage;
• rehearsal halls;
• three classrooms;
• offices.

How to get to the Regional Philharmonic in Chernivtsi

The Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic is located at 10 Philharmonic Square, right in the city centre, so getting to the institution does not take much time. From Central Square or pedestrian Olhy Kobylianskoi Street, you can walk there in approximately 5–7 minutes. The route runs along Poshtova or Zankovetskoi Street.

Those using public transport should look for the «Teatralna Square», «Puppet Theatre» and «Chernivtsi Cinema» stops.

By car, Philharmonic Square can be reached via Ruska or Arkadiia Zhukovskoho Street. At the same time, it is important to take into account the one-way traffic around the square and the limited number of parking spaces.

Ensemble

Today, the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic and its creative staff are among Ukraine’s leading cultural institutions. Experienced professionals work here, including People’s Artists and Honoured Artists of Ukraine.

It is the creative potential of the staff that helps the institution maintain a high standard of concert programmes, combine academic tradition with contemporary formats and remain an active centre of Bukovyna’s musical life.

The Philharmonic comprises the following ensembles:

• «Pysanka» Duo;
• «CAPRICCIO» Academic Chamber Orchestra;
• A. Kushnirenko Honoured Academic Bukovynian Song and Dance Ensemble;
• «Chernivtsi» Academic Chamber Choir.

Repertoire

The repertoire of the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic is distinguished by its genre diversity and encompasses large-scale works of world classical music, exquisite Baroque organ music, children’s operas and Ukrainian vocal and popular music heritage. The works of Volodymyr Ivasiuk and Mykola Lysenko hold a special place in the concert programmes.

Among the Philharmonic’s best-known artistic projects and large-scale festivals are:

• «Mandychevsky FEST»;
• «Little Paris» Ballet Evening;
• Sounds of BACH Organ Music Festival;
• the historical and artistic project «The Cornerstone of Music»;
• the world premiere of Stefania Turkewich’s children’s opera «Kuts»;
• seasonal festivals «Bukovynian Spring», «Bukovynian Patterns», «Bukovynian November» and more.

What events take place at the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic

Alongside performances by academic ensembles, the institution’s programme features:

• concerts by Ukrainian pop music stars;
• symphonic and gala concerts featuring invited symphony orchestras, star conductors and world-class soloists;
• musical, dramatic, comedy and ballet performances;
• jazz and blues evenings;
• concerts in the symphonic rock genre and film music evenings;
• interactive shows for children and more.

How to order tickets to the Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic

You are already on the Chernivtsi Philharmonic events page, and that is the main thing. After all, it is impossible to leave without choosing a concert or performance – the temptation is simply too great. So all that remains is to find a programme to your liking and choose your seats in the hall. Everything can be arranged online at a convenient time for you: simply reserve your seats on the seating chart, make the payment – and in approximately one minute, the electronic tickets will arrive as an attachment to an email.