HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOLK ORCHESTRAL ART IN THE KHARKIV REGION

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to explore the gradual process of formation and development of folk orchestral performance in the Kharkiv region from the late 19th to the 20th century, to outline the specific features of orchestral ensembles, repertoire policies, and the main directions of the creative activity of regional folk orchestras. The study highlights the stages in the evolution of folk orchestral groups – from amateur ensembles to professional philharmonic formations – and examines their role in shaping the system of music education for folk instruments. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive understanding of the process of establishing folk orchestral performance in the Kharkiv region, as well as in clarifying, supplementing, and interpreting historical information concerning the activities of particular ensembles and performers. The obtained results deepen the understanding of the evolution of the regional folk instrumental performance tradition and its importance in the formation of the academic folk orchestral art of the Kharkiv region. Conclusions. It is summarized that the folk orchestral art of the Kharkiv region developed as a multilevel system based on the interaction of amateur, educational, and professional environments, and became an important component of the national cultural space in the second half of the 20th century. The article emphasizes the significant role of the experimental activity of Kharkiv artists in improving musical instruments and their fruitful collaboration with local craftsmen, which substantially influenced the formation of orchestral compositions and the consolidation of achieved models in subsequent performance practice. The sociocultural factors determining the development of the folk orchestral movement in the Kharkiv region are outlined: the influence of orchestral ensembles on the popularization of folk instrumental performance, the support of state institutions, the establishment of a professional education system for folk instruments at all levels, the activity of concert organizations and amateur ensembles, and the interaction between professional and amateur environments. Special attention is given to the creative, performing, and arrangement activities of Kharkiv musicians in the development of the folk orchestral repertoire, as well as to the involvement of Ukrainian composers in creating original works for Kharkiv ensembles. The article highlights the impact of regional artists on the formation of Ukraine’s academic folk orchestral art, the development of performing traditions, and the promotion of Ukrainian folk music.