The Power of Music and Humility. Nazar Tatsyshyn in the First Podcast of the “Don’t Hate, Motivate” Campaign

Subtitles: PL, EN, ES

Opening the podcast series under the "Don’t Hate, Motivate" campaign, Ilona Adamska invited a remarkable artist for a conversation – Ukrainian opera tenor, vocal coach, and winner of international music competitions Nazar Tatsyshyn. This meeting was more than just a music talk. It was a deep story of passion, humility, collaboration, and the strength that kindness brings.

Nazar's musical journey began early – as a three-year-old, he already showed great sensitivity to sound. His first conscious performance took place at the age of six, when, during school preparations for Mother's Day, he performed “Ave Maria.” Although the music teacher was initially looking for a girl to perform the piece, young Nazar surprised everyone with the maturity of his voice and musical intuition. From that moment, his intensive vocal education began, supported by his mother, who, regardless of the weather, travelled dozens of kilometres with him to a teacher who – as Nazar says – “planted the seed of eternal operatic music.”

Today, he can boast performances in 62 countries and collaborations with some of the finest artists. He recalls the support of a well-known Ukrainian artist who paid his entry fee for one of the competitions and encouraged him to pursue the operatic path.

For Tatsyshyn, music is not just art—it is an energy exchange with the audience. As he says, his greatest inspiration came when he first heard a symphony orchestra. At that moment, he felt a powerful need to be on that stage, share emotions, and give and receive energy.

His concerts are not stiff, traditional performances. He combines opera with elements of popular music, drawing inspiration from artists like Andrea Bocelli. This approach opens opera to a new audience and makes classical music more accessible to younger generations.

As a teacher and founder of the private Maestro Vocal Studio in Wrocław, Nazar applies an individual approach to each student. He works with professional tenors and children, and his youngest student is only five years old. He claims that his most excellent satisfaction comes from watching the progress of those who start “from zero.”

He emphasises that, contrary to stereotypes, everyone can be taught to sing—it just takes time and patience. Even if not everyone reaches a grand stage, singing can become a form of personal development, therapy, and joy.

The conversation could not avoid the main theme of the campaign—hate. Although Nazar has not personally experienced nationality-based hate, he notices its presence in public spaces and on social media. He points out its artificial nature—often driven by bots and algorithmic mechanisms—but also acknowledges the existence of real societal prejudices.

In the artistic world, he has encountered jealousy and dishonesty. There were times when his colleagues avoided eye contact after a successful concert with standing ovations.

Tatsyshyn does not condemn haters. On the contrary, he feels compassion for them. In his view, hatred stems from a lack of love, acceptance, and self-worth. Hate is a desperate cry for attention and an attempt to compensate for emotional voids. That is why his response is kindness, joy, and meaningful work.

At the end of the conversation, Nazar shares his belief in the possibility of a world without hate. He reminds us that life is too short to waste on anger, jealousy, or destruction. Instead, he believes we should focus on our passions and share what is good – music, heart, and kindness.

The interview ends on a touching note – Nazar's moving performance of a fragment from “Time to Say Goodbye.” It is a beautiful conclusion to a conversation that proves it is possible to walk through life with dignity, warmth, and inner strength - despite adversity.

Editor Maria Anna Furman