Honored Artist of Ukraine Vladyslav Horai passes away: Remembering tenor's legacy

"The voice of Vladyslav was known worldwide, and his heart belonged to Ukraine. Vladyslav was not only a stage talent but an example of strength, dignity, and kindness in life. Even in the darkest times, he never stayed aside – he helped, volunteered, and supported. The Odesa National Opera became desolate," the post stated.

The theater emphasized that the stage where he revealed his talent will never sound the same again.

His name and warmth will remain in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him.

Vladyslav Horai (photo: facebook.com/OdesaOperaBallet)

"The stage on which he lived will sound different without him. Vladyslav will forever be in the hearts of everyone who knew him," the obituary reads.

Details about the time and place of the farewell will be announced later.

How Ukrainians react

Ukrainians are reacting with deep pain and inexpressible sorrow, calling the artist's death an irreparable tragedy for the entire artistic community.

• No words… it hurts and is heavy on the heart… an irreparable loss… Condolences to the family and friends, colleagues, and listeners…
• It's impossible to believe, eternal memory to one of the best opera singers of Ukraine!
• No, this can't be… A bright person and an extraordinary singer. This cannot be. This is truly an irreparable loss for the entire music community! Kingdom of Heaven
• I still clearly remember your Count in the opera "Rigoletto" – that performance was deeply moving and unforgettable.
• Blessed memory… May you continue singing in the other world, and may your voice echo forever
• Oh God… I can't believe it… terrible grief… The very best… My heart is breaking from the pain…

Short biography of Vladyslav Horai

Vladyslav Horai was not just a brilliant tenor but a true world-class artist.

He won many prestigious competitions, including the national chamber music competition in Khmelnytskyi and the international Antonín Dvořák vocal competition in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Vladyslav Horai (screenshot)

He received his musical education in Vinnytsia. In 1988, he graduated from the music and pedagogical faculty of the then Kotsyubynskyi Pedagogical Institute, where he studied piano, vocals, and conducting.

That same year, he entered the Odesa Conservatory, now the Antonina Nezhdanova National Music Academy.

There, he studied in the class of the prominent professor, People's Artist of Ukraine, Mykola Ohrenchykh. He later obtained a postgraduate diploma from the same institution.

He joined the opera troupe of the Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in 1993 and remained devoted to the stage for many years.

From 2000 to 2003, Vladyslav performed at the state opera and ballet theater in Constanța, Romania.

Then, from 2003 to 2004, he toured Spain, including performances at Madrid's Teatro Monumental.

He participated in major international projects and performed in Rome, Lyon, Strasbourg, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Brussels, Lisbon, Chișinău, Almaty, and many other cultural capitals.

In 2007, he participated in the gala concert of the famous "Maria Bieșu Invites" festival in Chișinău.

Vladyslav performed in the USA, Canada, Italy, and Macau during the "Three Tenors from the Holy Land" concert tour.

One of his largest concerts took place in 2008 in Israel: accompanied by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra, he sang for an audience of 40,000.

Horai also toured repeatedly in the United Kingdom, performing in productions at London's legendary Royal Albert Hall.

In 2013, Vladyslav was awarded the honorary title of Merited Artist of Ukraine for his significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian culture.

His repertoire included over twenty operatic roles. Among them were Almaviva ("The Barber of Seville" by G. Rossini), Edgar ("Lucia di Lammermoor" by G. Donizetti), the Duke and Alfredo ("Rigoletto" and "La Traviata" by G. Verdi), Rodolfo ("La Bohème" by G. Puccini), the Minstrel ("Kateryna" by O. Rodin), and many others.