Acclaimed Ukrainian opera singer Vladislav Horay has died while on a volunteer mission in the embattled Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, where intense fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces continues along the frontlines.
Horay, a soloist with the Odesa National Opera and a recipient of the prestigious “Honored Artist of Ukraine” title, was widely celebrated for his world-class tenor voice and international performances, including at London’s Royal Albert Hall. His death was announced by the Odesa National Opera in an emotional statement on Sunday.
“Tragic news has shaken the entire artistic community of Ukraine,” the opera house posted on Facebook. “Vladislav was not only a talented performer, he was an example of strength, dignity, and kindness in life.”
While the cause of Horay’s death has not been disclosed, the opera house confirmed he died while serving as a volunteer in Sumy, a region that has seen mounting Russian offensives in recent weeks. According to a June 5 post on his personal Facebook page, Horay had been raising funds for a Ukrainian naval unit.
Horay joined the Odesa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in 1993, building a distinguished career that spanned continents. His voice was cherished not just in Ukraine but also in the United States, Britain, Canada, and beyond.
His final performance, delivered just one day before his death, was captured on video and shared by the opera house. Singing the Neapolitan classic “O Sole Mio,” the video was described as a farewell: “It is the last concert. It is the last gift from a singer who lived for the stage and left a piece of his soul there.”
The Sumy region, where Horay lost his life, remains a volatile hotspot in the Russia-Ukraine war. Russian troops have recently made incremental advances toward the regional capital, underscoring the mounting pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
Horay’s death marks a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made by Ukrainian civilians and artists alike, many of whom have taken on active roles in defending their homeland.
Written By Rodney Mbua
