Savannah Philharmonic principal double bass player Vadim Volynets recently received a letter on behalf of The British royal family from the office of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, regarding a piece of music composed by Volynets.

A recording of the piece, written by Volynets in reaction to the death of Princess Diana, was sent to Kensington Palace as a gift to these two royal princes who lost their mother twenty years ago in a tragic car wreck in Paris.

This letter, responding to the gift thanked Volynets for his kindness and extended “the warmest thanks and best wishes from The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry”.

Volynets was born, raised, and educated in Ukraine, where he graduated from a prestigious Ukrainian National Music Academy in Kiev and Odessa, Kiev State Music Institute, and State Music School for Gifted Children in Kiev where he earned degrees as a soloist, chamber musician, symphony orchestra musician and pedagogue. He has worked with numerous esteemed Russian and Ukrainian conductors. As a double bass soloist, he played with the Kiev Chamber Orchestra, chamber orchestra Virtuosi of Crimea, classical trio Riturnel, jazz quartet Black Fan, and as principal double bass with the National House of Organ and Chamber Music of Ukraine, the Kiev Academic Operetta Theatre, the Kiev Symphony Choir and Orchestra, and the Crimea Academic Symphony Orchestra. He has also participated as the principal double bass player at festivals with the Symphony Orchestra “Ukraine” in various cities in Italy and France and with the National Chamber Orchestra in South Korea. Volynets began composing music and writing poems after he found inspiration after emigrating to America in 1996. 

Volynets, a teacher with over 30 years’ experience, teaches double bass, piano, cello, guitar, and bass guitar at his private studio. He worked as a professor at Mercer University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southern University, and Wesleyan College in addition to participating in the Artists in the Classroom educational program sponsored by Macon Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the Savannah Philharmonic, Volynets has participated with the Savannah Music Festival and at the Savannah VOICE Festival under the leadership of Sherill Milnes and Maria Zouves.

“The death of Princess Diana made an impact on much of the world and it is an honor and a pleasure knowing that The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry received this piece of music honoring their mother,” Volynets said.   

The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, which Volynets has been involved with since its inception, is a professional orchestra presenting a full range of concerts each season, from classics to pops. The Savannah Philharmonic’s mission is to provide the highest level of musical performances and educational programs featuring the highest caliber of professional musicians, a volunteer chorus, and internationally acclaimed soloists aiming to exhilarate, educate, and enrich a large and diverse audience in the greater Savannah community.