Carrick-on-Suir theatre hosts concert by Ukrainian singing group
The Only Love Can Win concert raised funds for purchase of transport vehicle for Ukraine's war injured
Caption for photo above: John Connors, Borrisoleigh; John McNamara, Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club; Iryna Meskieva, Margaret and Walter Power, Ninemilehouse; Libov Shydrak, Irina Baiandina and Chrystyna Safarova at Brewery Lane Theatre for the Only Love Can Win Concert.
The Ukrainian Emeralds singing group were guest performers at Brewery Lane Theatre on February 10 where they staged a concert to raise funds to purchase a vehicle for transporting injured people to hospital in their war torn homeland.
The Only Love Can Win Concert celebrated traditional Ukrainian folklore through song, music and dance.
Olena Pidopyrgora, a member of Waterford’s Ukrainian community, and a professional classical singer with a beautiful, powerful voice founded the Ukrainian Emeralds two years ago.
There are now 12 in the all-female group including professional singers and musicians. They perform original songs written by group members and popular songs, which they sing in Ukrainian and English.
The choir is mostly based in Waterford but the members also practice in Tramore. They meet up once a week and love to sing.
Olena said the women and their children fled the war in Ukraine in 2022 to find shelter in Ireland. The men could not accompany them due to their role in defending their country.
Olena spoke of how they were happy to be in Ireland and praised Irish people’s kindness and friendliness.
She thanked all those who attended and supported the concert and Brewery Lane Theatre volunteers Angelina and Breda, who were helpful and welcoming on the day.
To mark the 2nd anniversary of the outbreak of the war on February 24, a requiem concert will be held in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church/ Franciscan Monastery Church at 21 Lady Lane in Waterford City, X91 VK44 this Sunday, February 25 at 2pm in memory of the victims of the war in Ukraine.
There will be a divine liturgy before that at 11am followed by a charity dinner before the concert.
The Ukrainian Emeralds will join other groups and performers to mark the anniversary.
All are welcome to attend.