Editor’s Note: As the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence as a nation approaches on Aug. 24, the Kyiv Post is asking Ukrainians who live abroad to comment on their lives and their reflections on their homeland. To participate, Ukrainians living abroad should send a photo and answers to the following questions to Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonner at [email protected]
Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?
Irina Petrik: I am from Kyiv, Ukraine, Obolon girl all the way!
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
IP: I left in 2000. After graduating from Gliere Music College in Kyiv, I was accepted into San Francisco Conservatory of Music in California and continued my development as an artist and an opera singer. I will forever be grateful to my Alma Mater in Kyiv and was recently invited to sing as an honored alumna at Gliere College’s 150th anniversary concert at National Philharmonic in January 2018.
KP: How did you end up where you live?
IP: I moved around quite a bit. California, Arizona, North Carolina… but the best place for any opera singer is New York, which is why I reside in upstate New York with my husband.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
IP: Yes! Ukraine is going through some exciting changes right now which sometimes resemble the Wild West… there is hope in the air and a lot of opportunity for those who are able to see it.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
IP: There is certain sense of adventure, passion and freshness in Ukraine. It feels like a powerful stream… nothing stagnant or stale about it. It’s exhilarating to be there! I miss this feeling, even though it might be indescribable sometimes.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
IP: I certainly don’t miss lack of manners with certain folks (although you can be exposed to that in most major cities in the world), bureaucracy and cigarette smoke – it’s everywhere!! Very bad for vocal cords.
KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
IP: Yes and no. It’s just different. As an opera singer in the US, I am a freelancer who travels a lot and sings all over the country while on specific contracts with various opera companies. I also am a voice professor in a college. I love the idea of repertory theaters in Ukraine because you really get to know your fellow castmates and don’t need to travel as much or lead a chaotic gypsy life style.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
My mom and youngest sister.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
IP:mYes! My mom usually comes for Christmas once a year. I just visited Kyiv in June, as I participated in O-Fest international music festival for the second time and made my debut as Rosalinda in Die Fledemaus with National Operetta Theater of Ukraine. This was my childhood dream and I am so glad my mom and sister were able to see and hear me perform. I grew up going to this particular theater, with my grandma to watch the shows, so performing on that stage was an amazing moment for me as an artist which I will cherish forever.
KP: With Ukraine coming up to its 26th anniversary of national independence, how do you feel about your homeland? Is it making progress as a nation? Or not so much?
IP: Absolutely. I am an active member of Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and am passionate about promoting Ukrainian culture and music abroad. I think Ukraine is making huge progress both as a nation and as a state which chose a clear path to follow. I see good changes for Ukraine in the near future. What makes Ukraine wonderful is its people. They are exceptionally smart, hard-working, sincere and fed -up with things that don’t work. I see this especially clear with Ukraine’s younger generations. They know what they want and they are trying to make this vision a reality. I know they will. It might take time… but the countdown already began.
KP: What would it take for you to return?
IP: When are we going? I am packing my suitcase!
KP: What do you wish for your country?
IP: I wish for peace and inspiration for all to make Ukraine the country it deserves to be. If we all start with ourselves, this change will come sooner.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
IP: Yes, I do. With all of my heart.
