Ukrainian celebrities react to passing of folk singer legend Nina Matviyenko

An outpouring of tributes and memories have been paid to folk singer legend Nina Matviyenko following her passing on Oct. 8 by Ukrainian celebrities, including Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, Pavlo Zibrov, Iryna Bilyk, ROXOLANA, Yuriy Horbunov, and others.

Matviyenko, known as the soul of Ukrainian music, would have turned 76 on Oct. 10.

She was a role model to many of Ukraine’s best known artistic and creative names, and celebrities have been sharing their condolences and photos with the legendary songstress.

Sviatoslav Vakarchuk: “Fond remembrance of an incredible person, the soul of our nation, whose voice will be with us forever! Nina Matviyenko. We love you, we remember you! Tonya and all your loved ones, accept our sincerest condolences.”

Pavlo Zibrov: “The soul of Ukrainian song has taken flight into eternity... Bright memories, Nina Mytrofanivna. Deepest condolences to the family.”

Irina Bilyk: “Nina Mytrofanivna, I can only address you as if you are here and I’m speaking with you. Our beautiful world will forever lack your smile and your Voice on this troubled planet.”

Potap: “Nina Mytrofanivna, I cry as I cried when you sang. The sun and voice of the nation, I am happy to have known you, to have heard your singing in life, on stage, and at the table. Your endless stories about Nastya’s childhood. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for your talent; may the Lord embrace you.”

Svitlana Tarabarova: “Nina Mytrofanivna, I was always glad to see you, as if you were the dearest friend. You always had warm words and advice, which I listened to as a young child, with an open heart. It was Nina Mytrofanivna who taught me to speak to water and ask it to take away the bad and illuminate with light. You are my light, our light forever! It hurts deeply. Watch over us from above. Deepest condolences to the entire family.”

Yuriy Horbunov: “Today, we have lost a legendary, incredible, and bright person — People’s Artist of Ukraine Nina Matviyenko! The flower of our soul will forever remain in our hearts! Bright memory to you, great artist! And thank you for everything you have done for Ukrainian music!”

Nina Matviyenko possessed a lifelong passion for singing. For over two decades, Matviyenko graced the stage as a soloist in the famed Veryovka choir, and she dedicated an equal amount of time to the chamber orchestra “Kyivska Kamerata,” with her commitment enduring to this day. Her extensive repertoire spanned a diverse array of folk songs, encompassing ritual, lyrical, humorous, ballads, and Ukrainian compositions from the 17th to the 18th century. In addition to her stage performances, Matviyenko made notable appearances on television, featured in various films, and lent her voice to radio dramas.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine