On June 8, 2025, tenor Vladislav Gorai, a soloist with the Odesa National Opera, died while engaged in a volunteer mission in the northern region of Sumy bordering Russia.

The Odesa Opera, which was where Gorai performed, said, “Today, June 8, while performing his volunteer mission in the Sumy region, the soloist of the Odesa National Opera, a world-class tenor, volunteer, father, Man of a Big Heart, Honored Artist of Ukraine – Vladislav Gorai died. The whole world knew the voice of Vladislav Vikentiyovych, and his heart belonged to Ukraine. Vladislav was not only a talent on stage – he was an example of strength, dignity, and kindness in life. Even in the darkest times, he did not stay aside – he helped, volunteered, and supported.” the artist’s colleagues reported.

The company added, “The Odessa National Opera has become orphaned.”

Gorai joined the Odesa Opera in 1993 after graduating in 1988 from the music faculty of the Vinnytsia State Pedagogical Institute. He became a company staple and gave his final performance on June 7, a day before his death. In 2013, he became an Honored Artist of Ukraine for his work in the arts.

Gorai was also an internationally recognized tenor who went on to perform in Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Zurich, and at such theaters as Madrid’s Teatro Monumental and Romania’s State Opera and Ballet Theater.