Ivan Karabyts is one of the most vivid Ukrainian composers of the second post-war generation, a pupil of Borys Lyatoshynsky. His music combines deep roots in Ukrainian folklore with a modern language and powerful dramatic energy.
Among his works are symphonies, three concertos for orchestra, the “Kyiv Frescoes,” and vocal-symphonic canvases on the words of Ukrainian poets (notably “The Garden of Divine Songs” after Hryhorii Skovoroda). Karabyts was also an outstanding organiser: he founded the international festival of contemporary music “Kyiv Music Fest,” which opened Ukrainian music to the world and world music to Ukraine. His work and devoted activity became an important bridge of Ukrainian music to the present day and to international recognition.
