Hanna Havrylets (1958–2022) was a distinguished Ukrainian composer and educator, celebrated for her significant contributions to contemporary classical music. Born on April 11, 1958, in Vydyniv, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine, she began her musical journey under the guidance of Vasyl Kufliuk, a teacher renowned for his innovative methods in developing musical hearing.
Havrylets pursued formal education at the Solomiya Krushelnytska Specialized Music School in Lviv from 1968 to 1977. She continued her studies at the Lviv State Conservatory under the mentorship of Volodymyr Flys, graduating in 1982. Her academic journey culminated at the Kyiv State Conservatory, where she studied composition with Myroslav Skoryk, completing her postgraduate studies in 1984.
In 1985, Havrylets became a member of the Composers' Union of Ukraine. By 1992, she had joined the faculty of the National Music Academy of Ukraine, dedicating herself to nurturing the next generation of composers. Her leadership extended to serving as the chairperson of the Kyiv organization of the Composers' Union after 2010.
Havrylets' compositional oeuvre spans various genres, including symphonic, chamber, instrumental, and choral works. Her choral compositions, in particular, are noted for integrating elements of Ukrainian folklore, rituals, and ancient incantations. Notable works include the musical stage performance "Let's Sow the Golden Stone," the oratorio "Barb's Carol," and the Stabat Mater for choir and orchestra, which uniquely employs a Latin text.
Throughout her career, Havrylets received numerous accolades, such as the Ivanna and Marian Kots International Competition for Composers award in 1995 and the Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine in 1999. In 2008, she was honored with the Order of Princess Olga. Her works have been performed internationally, resonating with audiences in Ukraine, Poland, the USA, Canada, and beyond.
Tragically, on February 27, 2022, during the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Havrylets passed away in Kyiv at the age of 63. Her death was attributed to an aneurysm, with the conflict impeding timely medical assistance. Despite her untimely passing, Hanna Havrylets' legacy endures through her profound musical contributions, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Ukraine.
One of her most celebrated works, Chorale for Strings, is a deeply expressive and introspective piece that showcases her mastery of choral-inspired writing within an instrumental setting. The work embodies a rich, meditative quality, drawing on the harmonic traditions of Ukrainian sacred music while infusing them with modern compositional techniques. Through lush string textures and seamless dynamic shifts, Chorale for Strings creates an atmosphere of solemn beauty, evoking a sense of spiritual reflection and timelessness. The piece exemplifies Havrylets' ability to blend traditional Ukrainian musical elements with contemporary classical sensibilities, making it a poignant and enduring contribution to the string repertoire.
Hear the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra bring this powerful music to life this Thursday, Feb. 27.