Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic

Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic: a symbol of artistic resistance and the city's resilience

The only operating frontline philharmonic in Ukraine – as painful as it may sound, the institution's mission is precisely to support city residents who, in difficult times, seek solace and emotional respite in Zaporizhzhia's cultural programme. And the philharmonic is fulfilling this vital mission remarkably well: it continues to draw full houses and give audiences special moments.

History and Location

The Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic is the only professional concert organization in Zaporizhzhia region, founded on January 11, 1939. At the time of its opening, only 17 artists worked here. The war forced the philharmonic to suspend its activities, but as early as February 13, 1944, concert activities resumed in the format of the «Concert and Variety Bureau». Less than two months later, on March 24, the institution was renamed the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Philharmonic, and since 1978 it has had its current name – Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic.

Today, the institution is located in the historic part of the city known as Sotsmisto or Shoste Selyshche, at 183 Sobornyi Avenue.

Architecture, Technical Features and Hall Capacity

For a long time, the philharmonic did not have its own stage, so its concerts were held at various rented venues – in theatres, clubs, parks and other spaces. The situation changed after the building in which the institution operates today was constructed. It was built in 1953 according to a design by architect Heorhii Vegman and engineer Shapilskyi. Today, the building has the status of an architectural monument and is considered one of the distinctive examples of 1950s architecture.

The architecture of the building combines features of Constructivism and Neoclassicism. In the decorative design, Heorhii Vegman used not only classical motifs but also the symbolism of his era: the capitals of the columns feature images of stars, lyres, wheat ears and film strips. These details give the monumental building its own character.

The philharmonic has two concert halls – a large hall with 720 seats and a chamber hall with 120. The large hall underwent a major renovation in 2016. The space received modern «Vivaldi» audience seats, new lighting and sound equipment, and a large LED screen. After the renovation, the venue became even better suited to hosting large concerts and a variety of cultural events.

Philharmonic Staff

Behind the work of the philharmonic is a large team of more than 250 employees, including over 170 members of the artistic staff. The institution's employees hold honorary titles: among them are People's Artists of Ukraine, Honored Artists of Ukraine and Honored Cultural Workers of Ukraine. Many members of the team are recipients of state orders, laureates and diploma winners of international and Ukraine-wide performing arts competitions.

The professional excellence of the philharmonic's ensembles and staff has repeatedly been recognized with state awards of Ukraine for their significant contribution to the cultural life of the Zaporizhzhia region. Since September 2023, Vasyl Koval has held the position of chief conductor. The General Director of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic is Ihor Valentynovych Zhuravlov.

The following ensembles operate as part of the philharmonic:

• Academic Symphony Orchestra;
• Academic Cossack Song and Dance Ensemble «Zaporozhtsi»;
• Dixieland of the Academic Symphony Orchestra's artists;
• jazz band MUSIC MEN;
• chamber orchestra of the Academic Symphony Orchestra's artists.

Repertoire

Every year, more than 350 cultural and artistic events take place on the stage of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic. The institution's programme features symphonic music, vocal arts, folk art, choreography and large-scale stage projects.

The philharmonic regularly hosts leading national, academic and honored ensembles, as well as world-class artists. Guests of the stage include the Hryhorii Veriovka National Honored Academic Ukrainian Folk Choir, the National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine, the Pavlo Virsky National Honored Academic Dance Ensemble of Ukraine, the National Academic Symphony Orchestra and many other outstanding performers and ensembles.

The most interesting projects of the Zaporizhzhia Philharmonic include:

• «Artistic Meetings in the Chamber Hall»;
• «Philharmonic for Children»;
• Ukraine-wide Spiritual Music Festival «BLAGOFEST»;
• contemporary music programmes FOLK&ROCK and JAZZ, FOLK, ROCK;
• cultural and artistic campaign «Two Philharmonics – One Country»;
• joint international festival events «French Spring in Ukraine», «The Seventh Bach Academy», September Music Fest and others.

What Events Take Place at the Zaporizhzhia Philharmonic

The combination of professional technical facilities, high-quality acoustics and extensive stage capabilities has transformed the philharmonic into one of Zaporizhzhia's main universal cultural and touring centres. The institution's programme features:

• theatre performances and commercial theatre productions;
• concerts of contemporary pop and rock music;
• atmospheric instrumental shows by candlelight;
• interactive performances for children;
• comedy concerts and stand-up shows;
• dance shows and more.

How to Buy Tickets to the Zaporizhzhia Philharmonic

The event listings page of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Philharmonic is your guide to finding enjoyable leisure activities for a weekend evening or a break in the middle of the working week. All that remains is to browse the current events, find a concert or show that appeals to you, and choose convenient seats in the hall. The entire process takes place online at a time that is convenient for you. After booking seats on the seating plan and making the payment, the electronic tickets will be sent as an attachment to an email delivered to your email address.