Ukrainian opera singer Yurii Ivaskevych has traded his tuxedo for military fatigues to fight the Russian invasion, but his love for music has called him back to the stage. After losing his leg in a mine explosion last year, Ivaskevych, now 51, is a member of Cultural Forces, a unique Ukrainian military unit comprised of professional musicians who perform for soldiers on the front lines to lift their spirits and provide a brief respite from the horrors of war.
Known by his military call sign, Pavarotti, Ivaskevych shared, “With us, they can cast their mind back to their past lives even for an hour — something good, some positive emotions.” The band, led by founder Mykolai Sierga, recently embarked on a tour across the United States to express gratitude for American support of Ukraine’s war effort and emphasize the ongoing need for aid amid political challenges.
The band’s performances include a mix of classic and contemporary pieces, with Ivaskevych captivating audiences with his renditions of songs like Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and the Neapolitan favorite “O Sole Mio.” The tour will take Cultural Forces to various cities in the US, showcasing the talents of its members, including a player of the bandura, a jazz pianist, and a violinist turned grenade launcher who joined after losing an eye in combat.
Despite facing setbacks in the conflict, the members of Cultural Forces remain committed to their mission of providing solace and support to soldiers and their families. As Ivaskevych aptly put it, “Their eyes light up” after hearing the music, offering a moment of relief in the midst of the ongoing war.