Ukraine's oldest kobzar has died

On March 22, 2026, in the Chernihiv region, Igor Rachok, a bandura player and Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine, passed away at the age of 90. 

The Talalaivka settlement territorial community announced this on Facebook.

A native of the village of Lavirkove in the Talalaivka district, he was a representative of traditional kobzar art, having learned his craft from such renowned artists as Yevhen Adamtsevych and Fedir Spivak. In addition to his virtuoso mastery of the bandura, the musician was a skilled player of the guitar, mandolin, and harmonica, dedicating his life to the promotion of Ukrainian folk art.

For his significant personal contribution to the development of national culture and the preservation of kobzar traditions, in November 2008, Ihor Rachko was awarded the honorary title of Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine. The Talalaivka community emphasized that the artist was a deeply religious man, and his work reflected the history of Cossack glory and the people’s struggle. The kobzar was buried on March 23 in his native village of Lavirkove following a funeral service at the St. Peter and Paul Church in Romny.

The loss of this leading cultural figure occurred against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing aggression, which daily threatens the cultural heritage and lives of Ukrainians. While the Sumy and Odesa regions are dealing with the aftermath of Russian shelling, the artistic community honors the memory of those who preserved the nation’s identity for decades. Igor Rachko’s legacy remains an important spiritual guide for future generations of bandura players around the world.

Would you like me to prepare a selection of information about the creative journey of his teacher, Yevhen Adamcevych, the author of the famous “Zaporizhzhia March”?