Zhytomyr Academic Choral Capella
OREYA
One of Ukraine's most distinguished mixed choirs, founded in 1986 by Alexander Vatsek, "Oreya" has earned global recognition, winning 9 Grand Prix and over 40 first prizes at international choral competitions. Renowned for its innovative performances and exceptional artistry, the choir serves as a cultural ambassador of Ukraine.
Resilience and Revival

After the full-scale invasion of Russian forces into Ukraine, there was a long pause. No one knew what would happen next or how soon it would all end. War…


When it became clear that Zhytomyr was not at the epicenter of events, I gave the signal to gather. Only 12 singers remained in the group—10 men and 2 women. Everyone else had left the country with their children.


What could we do, what could we sing? Previously, we performed pieces for 8-16 voices. I started forming a new ensemble. The women learned to sing in male vocal ranges, and thus our repertoire began to include wartime, heroic, lullaby, folk songs, as well as spiritual works by Ukrainian and international composers.


In the fall of 2022, we toured Europe, performing in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The concerts were highly successful. Listeners familiar with "Orea" noted the powerful energy emanating from the group and the high quality of our performance.


Later, two more women joined—soprano and alto—and then several others. I started creating arrangements for a mixed ensemble where the women sang in folk, pop, and classical styles.


Today, "Orea" consists of 20 members: 6 sopranos, 5 altos, 4 tenors, 2 baritones, and 3 basses.


Our repertoire is constantly growing and becoming more diverse. We perform many works by international composers and create unique arrangements tailored to this lineup.


Successful concerts have already been held in the philharmonics of Ternopil, Kyiv, and Lviv.

Why Attend the Concert?
Discover an unforgettable musical experience filled with exceptional artistry, emotional depth, and the celebrated mastery of one of the world's finest choirs.
Global Recognition
9 Grand Prix and over 40 first prizes in international competitions.
Emotional Depth
Every performance leaves unforgettable impressions.
Diverse Repertoire
Classical, sacred, contemporary, and folk music.
Our Services
We offer world-class choral performances, expert-led masterclasses by Alexander Vatsek for choirs, and professional vocal training to inspire and elevate your musical journey. The masterclasses are tailored for choral groups, focusing on vocal techniques, interpretation, and achieving exceptional ensemble performance.
Concert Performances
Exquisite choral programs featuring a diverse and captivating repertoire.
Masterclasses by Alexander Vatsek
Exclusive workshops designed specifically for choirs, led by the world-renowned conductor and vocal expert Alexander Vatsek. These masterclasses focus on improving vocal techniques, refining ensemble balance, mastering complex repertoires, and exploring innovative approaches to choral artistry, ensuring an unforgettable learning experience for participants.
Vocal Training
Professional singing lessons for individuals and groups to enhance vocal skills and technique.
Expert Reviews from Renowned Choral Specialists
  • Marcel Corneloup
    President of the Association of French Choral in an interview with French radio
    Oreya is one of the four best choirs in the world that I have ever heard. And this is the best ambassador of Ukraine that I have met.
  • George Polyachenko
    President of the International Festival of Orthodox Music
    This team is truly the best messenger of Ukrainian choral art! Moscow is taken! It was a real triumph of Ukrainian culture!
  • Kolleen Park
    artistic director of the South Korea festival
    Oreya is the Ambassador of Ukraine for all time, and the Zhytomyr choir brought us the new world standard of choral music!
  • Gustav Adolf Rabus
    President of the Musica Sacra International Festival
    Oreya, the Ukrainian choir from Zhytomyr, was an excellent choir in the festival and a major attraction for the public.
  • Jacques Vanerle
    one of the greatest choral leaders in the world
    I attended four of your concerts, and each time, your 'Kyrie' (Kyrie by Pärt Uusberg) struck me more and more deeply. Every time, something new emerged... I think Oreya is now the most meaningful, most impressive choir in Europe—and after a little thought, I would say—no, in the world!
Grand Prix Achievements
2014
62 International Polyphonic Competition
"Guido d'Arezzo" in Arezzo, Italy
2011
43th International Choir Competition in Tolosa, Spain
2008
9th International Choir Competition in Maribor, Slovenia
2007
Ukrainian Competition of chamber vocal forms and choral collectives named after Borys Lyatoshynskyi in Kyiv, Ukraine
1999
International Choir Competition named after Johannes Brahms in Wernigerode, Germany
1998
International Choir Competition in Montreux, Switzerland
1996
International Choir Competition in Lindenholzhausen, Germany
1995
24th International Choir Competition in Tours, France
1993
5th International Choir Competition in Meinhausen, Germany
About Alexander Vatsek

Alexander Vatsek is a distinguished choirmaster, conductor, vocal teacher, adjudicator, workshop leader, and arranger. He is the founder and artistic director of the award-winning Zhytomyr Academic Choral Capella "Oreya" (1986) and the "Gaudeamus" Choir at Brno University (1996).


Key Achievements:

  • Grand Prix Wins: 10 (9 with "Oreya" and 1 with "Gaudeamus").
  • First Prizes: 44 (40 with "Oreya" and 4 with "Gaudeamus").
  • Recognized as one of the Top 20 Choral Conductors Worldwide by Christian Balandras for the French Ministry of Culture (2006).

Contributions:

  • Served as a jury member for World Choir Games (2002–2006) and numerous prestigious international competitions.
  • Conducted symphonic projects in France, Germany, Romania, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic.
  • Delivered workshops across Canada, Italy, Germany, Latvia, Czech Republic, France, Ukraine, Spain, and Moldova.

Honors and Awards:

  • Honored Member of Ukrainian Culture (1990) and Art (1994).
  • Recipient of the State Award named after I. Ohienko (1996).
  • Awarded the Order of Merit (III Degree) in 2008.
  • Honored with the Order for Outstanding Achievement in Music by the National Tchaikovsky Music Academy (2009).
  • Appointed Professor at Zhytomyr State University of Culture and Art (2009).
  • Awarded the Order of Merit (II Degree) in 2021 by Zhytomyr Mayor Sukhomlyn.

Affiliations:

  • Adviser to the Music Commission of Europa Cantat, Interkultur, and IFCM.


Vatsek's visionary leadership has solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in the world of choral music.

Achievements and Highlights

The choir Oreya was founded by Alexander Vatsek in 1986 as a Municipal Choir. Within four years, it began representing not only the Zhytomyr region but also Ukraine at international choral competitions. The Ukrainian flag was raised 25 times as "Oreya" from Zhytomyr claimed first place in intense competition.


From 1993 to 2014, the choir won the Grand Prix nine times at prestigious international choral competitions in Spain, Slovenia, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Additionally, in 2007, it claimed the top prize at the Kyiv National Chorus Competition named after Borys Lyatoshynskyi.


In 2008, the French Art Expert Council of "Polifoliya" selected "Oreya" as one of the 12 best professional ensembles in the world, alongside institutions such as the Music Academy of Stockholm, Tokyo, Helsinki, and Brussels. The choir’s performance received tremendous acclaim.


In August 2009, "Oreya" "opened" a new continent as the first creative team from the Zhytomyr region to be officially invited to participate in the International Festival of Choral Music in Incheon, South Korea. The organizers’ enthusiasm for the choir was so great that they exceeded their budgetary rules to cover the cost of airline tickets for "Oreya." The European continent was represented by the male quintet "Amarcord" from Germany and the Zhytomyr Chamber Choir.

The performance in South Korea was a major success. Fans eagerly sought autographs and photos with the singers throughout the week.


In May 2010, "Oreya" participated in the Musica Sacra International Festival—the prestigious World Festival of Sacred Music in Marktoberdorf, Germany. "Oreya" was the only choir from Eastern Europe presenting Orthodox music. Sharing the stage with world-renowned artists such as Yuri Bashmet and Mikhail Pletnev, the choir represented cultural and religious traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy. "Oreya" also had the honor of performing at Freising Cathedral near Munich, the last church served by Pope Benedict XVI before his papacy.


Today, "Oreya" is recognized as one of the most original choral ensembles in the world. For over 17 years, it has consistently maintained a high international rating, continuing to impress audiences and critics alike with its outstanding artistry.

Repertoire

The repertoire of Oreya is a special page indeed.


The choir performs in various styles, manners, and genres... From classical ancient music of the 16th century to contemporary composers, spirituals, and works from the repertoires of Swingle Singers, King Singers, and Pentatonix.


Formally, it ranges from J.S. Bach, John Farmer, and W.A. Mozart's Requiem to V. Silvestrov, H. Havrylets, and Vaclovas Augustinas' Marten Janson.


When you listen to Oreya, you experience every melodic move, every dynamic discovery… In short, you immerse yourself in the music, in O.V.’s interpretation, forgetting the composer or the country of origin. After the concert, all the listeners leave with smiles on their faces, reluctant to disperse.

They say that every piece is its own story, a complete masterpiece.

Lullaby from Jerry Heil's repertoire, edited by O. Vacek
Arrangement by Stanyslav Liudkevych "The Sun Has Hidden"
John Farmer "Fair Phillis"
Charles Stanford " Shall we go dance"
Dan Forrest "Good night, dear heart
Albert Hammond, arr. by Peter Knight... from the repertoire of the King Singers - "I'm a train"
Robert de Cormier "Let me fly"
For concert bookings, masterclasses, and vocal training inquiries, please contact:
Alexander Vatsek
Conductor / Artistic Director

Phone: +38 093 580 4845
E-mail: alexander@vatsek.com
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