Farewell to Ihor Poklad in Kyiv — A Legendary Ukrainian Composer

On Friday, July 11, a farewell ceremony was held at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine in Kyiv for the legendary composer Ihor Poklad.

Ihor Poklad was a Hero of Ukraine (2021), a laureate of the Shevchenko National Prize (1986), a People's Artist of Ukraine (1997), and in 2024 was recognized as a National Legend of Ukraine.

Among the songs he composed are “Two Wings,” “Magical Violin,” “Beloved,” “Wild Geese,” “Still Water,” and others. He was also the author of the musical The Konotop Witch and the rock opera Herod, as well as the music for the animated films How the Cossacks… and Aeneid, among others.

In 2022, Ihor Poklad survived the Russian occupation of his town Vorzel in the Kyiv region, where he and his wife lived for weeks in a basement. (This episode of his life was depicted in the film Bucha.) Later, he was evacuated along with other residents of the town.

After the farewell ceremony at the Philharmonic, according to the composer’s wishes, he will be buried at the Berkovetske Cemetery next to his mother’s grave.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Svitlana and to everyone who knew and appreciated the maestro.