Folk Choral (Song) Art Development Strategy in All of Modern Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to investigate the specifics of folk choral (song) art in the modern Ukrainian space. This purpose involves identifying the features of the functioning of the ensembles working in this field and the identification of artistic events that contribute to their promotion and development. Methods. The scientific provisions of the article are based on the methods (empirical and theoretical one, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and art history analysis), which allowed identifying the main strategies for the development of folk choral art. The analysis is carried on the principle that is used to distinguish the most prominent Ukrainian choirs and identify the main activities that contribute to their development. Results. The diversity of modern folk choirs is represented by various types of ensembles, including educational and creative, professional and amateur ones. A leading role in the formation of the creative image of the ensemble is played by its artistic director and choirmaster. They determine the type of repertoire, the specifics of its interpretation, etc. Now the choral song art of Ukraine is developing towards the formation of an individual musical sound, which is realised by turning to song folklore belonging to different regions. A powerful source for the development of folk choral art is participation in festivals and competitions, which allows accumulating creative efforts of the members of the ensembles. It serves as a space for the experience exchange and communication with the audience. The functioning of associations such as the Mykola Leontovych Ukrainian Choral Society, which is a part of the National All-Ukrainian Music Union, provides a powerful basis for forming the national cultural policy on the development of folk choral art. The article’s scientific novelty consists of researching the main strategies for developing folk choral (song) art in the contemporary Ukrainian space. The main types of Ukrainian folk choirs are identified, and the ways of formation of their individual creative credos, which manifest themselves in the choice of regional folk song material, are outlined.