VALUE-WORLDVIEW FOUNDATIONS AND REFLEXIVITY OF THE CHOIRMASTER IN THE UKRAINIAN CONTEXT OF CULTURAL RESILIENCE

Abstract

The aim of the work is to explore how personal values, worldview orientations, and reflexivity of a choirmaster shape their professional path and support the continuity of the Ukrainian choral tradition under contemporary transformations. Methodology. A cultural and hermeneutic methodology is applied: the phenomenon is examined through the interplay of artistic traditions and societal challenges. Scholarly works by Ukrainian and foreign researchers from the last decade on choral art were analyzed. A historic-analytical approach traces the evolution of Ukrainian conductors’ value principles, and a theoretical-conceptual analysis identifies structural components of conductor’s individuality and reflexive practices. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukrainian musicology, the interrelation between a choral conductor’s axiological orientations, civic stance, and reflexivity is systematically elucidated as factors of cultural resilience. The concept of “choral tradition cultural resilience” is introduced, and the role of conductor’s personal values in sustaining the national identity of choral art is substantiated. Conclusions. The personal values and worldview of a choirmaster determine repertoire choices, attitudes toward national musical heritage and innovations, as well as the style of communication with choir and audience. Reflexivity – the ability to critically reflect on one’s own activity – transforms declared values into tools of daily work, ensuring a living link between tradition and modernity. In the Ukrainian context, especially during times of trial (war, globalization challenges), the conductor’s axiological stance acquires a societal dimension: the choirmaster becomes a bearer of collective memory, a transmitter of spiritual values, and a cultural leader of the community. This supports the continuity of choral tradition and its adaptation to new circumstances without loss of authenticity. The article underlines the importance of the conductor combining the roles of artist-interpreter and citizen-culture-bearer, which ensures the viability of Ukraine’s professional choral art in the 21st century.