Cathedral choir sing for Ukraine as refugees look on
THERE were poignant scenes in Truro when Ukrainian refugees who have just arrived in Cornwall joined the cathedral choir for an emotional performance of Ave Maria, sung in Ukrainian.
Truro Cathedral Choir had already planned to record and film the song ahead of its special Mothering Sunday YouTube release, in support of their Crowdfunder for UNICEF’s Protect Children in Ukraine appeal.
By extraordinary coincidence, as the choir prepared, they were joined by Ukrainian refugee Akim, 12, and his mother Tanya Huhnina, who fled from the city of Cherkasy to Cornwall to join a family in Bodmin just last week, while Akim’s father remains in Ukraine to defend his country. They had been shopping for shoes in Truro for Akim’s first day in a Cornish school and had felt moved to step inside the cathedral. When she realised what was happening in the cathedral, Tanya said: “God has led us here today.”
The choristers were immensely moved by the meeting. “Meeting Akim felt inspiring and made what’s happening in Ukraine feel very real for me,” said Jack, 11.
Harris, 10, said: “It was great to meet Akim but I felt so sad that he had had to leave most of his family at home and that, when he does return, it’s going to be a completely different place. I think the Ave Maria we’re singing is comforting and soothing and I hope when people hear it they’ll want to give money to help.”
Head chorister Woody, 13, said: “Meeting Akim made me realise that what we’re doing would give the people of Ukraine some hope. They know they’re not alone.”
Akim joined the choristers in a show of solidarity they had prepared, with 10m long blue and yellow satin which took on a new significance. The family then stayed to listen to the choir sing Ave Maria in Ukrainian by compatriot and contemporary composer, Valentiin Silvestrov.
This musical and practical support for Ukraine is testament to Cornwall’s generosity. In 1947, the county hosted refugees fleeing Soviet communism. Now, Cornwall has made more offers to host Ukrainian refugees than any other county, according to the Government’s figures.
‘Meeting Akim made me realise that what we’re doing would give the people of Ukraine some hope’
Choristers as young as eight learned to sing in Ukrainian as part of Truro Cathedral Choir’s Crowdfunder appeal for UNICEF’s emergency appeal, Protect Children in Ukraine, seeking to support the 7.5 million Ukrainian children at risk.
The 34 girl and boy choristers (aged eight to 18), together with the choir’s 12 professional adult singers, have set an initial target of £3,000. They are inviting donations to their Crowdfunder appeal (below right), which has already gathered over £1,500 in its first few days.
Support for their venture was immediately forthcoming, with pronunciation guidance from Marta Jenkala, Assistant Professor of Ukrainian Studies at University College London and local encouragement from a Cornish-Ukrainian journalist, Dasha Smith.
Dasha said: “It is so heartwarming and emotional and inspiring to see talented children of Cornwall connect with Ukraine through the power of music. To sing in honour of Ukraine means so much to me, and to anyone who has been affected by the tragic ongoing events.
“Music has a magical way of bringing people together, and I give thanks to the wonderful young, talented children of Cornwall – I hope they will feel unity with Ukraine through their music.”
The video will be released on Mothering Sunday on YouTube, to support the choir’s Crowdfunder campaign.
There will also be a live performance during the 4pm service on Mothering Sunday, March 27, in Truro Cathedral, and all are welcome to attend.
https://bit.ly/choristers4Ukraine