Borys Hmyria

Borys Romanovych Hmyria (August 5 [O.S. July 23] 1903 – August 1, 1969) PAU, was a Ukrainian and Soviet bass singer of opera and art song. He was known for his vocal range and performance style through his combination of the qualities of a basso cantante and basso profondo, enabling him to perform multiple roles in performance. Hmyria first achieved national prominence in the late 1930s after winning second place at the All‑Union Vocalists’ Competition, and subsequently became a leading soloist of the Kyiv Opera. During World War II, Hmyria remained in German-occupied Ukraine due to health issues which prevented him from evacuating, and performed under local theatre administrations.