“A choir is not a show. It’s an experience.”

– Pavel, the Slavic Chorale concert is happening on May 10. What can the audience expect at this event?

– Our concert is called “Unfailing Love.” The program includes songs in a variety of styles — classical, contemporary — but all of them are about this great feeling. About what we need right now, when the world is changing rapidly, stability is gone, and people are searching for something to hold onto. The audience will sing together with the performers — which always creates a sense of elevation and unity.

– That sounds amazing! There’s a common belief that classical concerts are high art, where the audience simply observes. But at your concert, everyone becomes part of the experience.

– For me, atmosphere is everything. We want the stage and the audience to feel like one. This isn’t a show — it’s an experience. It’s not an escape from reality, but rather a way to learn how to handle it. When the human spirit is lifted, when the emotions and mind are engaged, things become easier. We sing not only about struggles but about joy too. We want our audience to feel like part of something greater — like we’re one big family or close friends.

– And where will this event take place?

– Our concert will be held in the heart of Sacramento — at the Center of Praise Cathedral. It’s a beautiful venue with great acoustics. We’ll be using microphones, but believe me, the sound in there is incredible. The space holds about 500 people, and when everyone starts singing together — it’s an unforgettable feeling. We’ve chosen simple songs that are easy to pick up, and I’ll be encouraging the audience to join in. So stay hydrated and get ready to sing!

You can already find details and videos from the venue on our website. Tickets are available now. And yes, make sure to follow our choir’s social media account — we’ll be sharing all the updates there too.

– Pavel, do you only perform in Sacramento or do you also go on tour?

– We tour as well. Just recently, in February, we were in Washington, D.C. for the National Prayer Breakfast and the Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast, where members of Congress and religious leaders were present. We performed several pieces there, visited local churches, and even sang spontaneously at the Capitol and the Library of Congress — those moments often turn out to be the most touching.

We’ve also performed in Seattle and Portland. And internationally — in Italy, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia. Thank God, all of this has become possible, and we’re grateful to share music and inspiration in many corners of the world.

– I know you’re planning more trips with the choir. How can someone join you?

– Yes, we’re planning many more trips! We welcome everyone who not only wants to travel but also to serve through music. Our choir is open to new members. We travel together, sing, bless people, and share art and inspiration.

– And how can someone become part of Slavic Chorale? What’s the process to join?

– The easiest way is to send me a DM on Instagram. That’s the fastest way. You can also reach out by email. After the first contact, we invite people to a rehearsal. You don’t need to audition right away — you’re welcome to just come and observe, or even try singing with us. Then we do an official audition, and if everything aligns schedule-wise, welcome to the team!

– From what I understand, there are no age restrictions?

– That’s right. We have a kids’ group (around ages 9 to 13), a youth group (middle/high school and college students), and the adult choir — ages 16 and up. So anyone can join.

– Pavel, tell us — do you have any internal traditions or “secrets” like some actors, musicians, or pilots do?

– That’s an interesting question! (smiles) We don’t really have any particular superstitions — we don’t focus on that. But I personally have what you might call a creative habit. When I’m choosing repertoire, I ask myself: Can I live with this melody in my head every day? Because it definitely will get stuck — it’ll play at night, keep me from sleeping, and be back again in the morning. If it’s shallow pop music, I get tired of it quickly. But if it’s something deep and meaningful, I actually want to dive into it again and again.

– Yes, music should be both memorable and never tiresome. That’s when it stays in the heart.

— Absolutely. For example, right now we’re learning a folk song from South Africa, and also rehearsing pieces in German and English. Different languages, different mysteries. What unites them all is the theme of each concert — it’s a message for the audience. When a person realizes that we are all God’s creations, that becomes the foundation that brings us together. When we stop seeing strangers and start seeing equals — brothers and sisters, those who could be part of one family — that inevitably finds its way into the music.

The creative process itself is meticulous, collaborative work. To create a chord, my note alone isn’t enough. You need someone else’s note, too. We realize how much we need each other — and then our differences stop mattering. We start to see not what sets us apart, but how we complement each other, how we create harmony together. That’s true unity.

– I think you don’t even need to understand the language to enjoy music and singing. Art knows no nationality or race — it brings everyone together. Pavel, how do you choose your repertoire?

— It’s a never-ending process. I listen to Apple Music while driving, exploring what others are singing, checking out new releases. I rewatch performances by various choirs on YouTube, or I’ll just google things that catch my interest.

At home, I have a whole collection of sheet music I’ve gathered over the years. I go to concerts by colleagues. And on my phone, I keep a list of hundreds of songs — whenever I hear something powerful, I save it with a note about where I found it. It’s like a musical map I return to often.

When it’s time to prepare for a concert, that’s when inspiration kicks in — or sometimes it’s a clear sense that a particular theme needs to be explored. Then I start looking for pieces that can express that theme. For instance, there’s an African song that tells the story of Christ’s crucifixion from God the Father’s perspective — His sorrow over His Son. There’s so much fatherly pain and love in those chords — it gives you chills.

But sometimes, in the process, it becomes clear that a piece doesn’t resonate, doesn’t expand the emotion — and that means it’s not the right fit.

– Do you have a favorite piece?

— That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is (laughs). I love all the pieces in our repertoire. Right now we’re rehearsing works by Ukrainian composers. But there’s one piece we especially missed — “Pomyshlyayu Den' Strashnyy” (“I Ponder the Dreadful Day”) by Archangelsky. It’s a serious, profound classical piece. It speaks about the end times and the Last Judgment — incredibly powerful in its message, with a stunning climax.

– And finally, Pavel — what do you dream about? What are your creative plans for the future?

— My dream is to have more performances with an orchestra. That’s always a very special experience. And to sing in venues with amazing acoustics. We’ve had those opportunities already, but we want more — to share this music with as many people as possible. That’s not just a plan — it’s a goal.