Four years on

An emotional evening was spent in Bath Abbey last night when my husband and I joined a packed audience to witness a concert marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

United 4 Peace was organised by the Friends of Oleksandriya – a Ukrainian city that has a ‘Friendship Agreement’ with B&NES – with the help of Bath Rotary Club and many other volunteers.

It aimed to raise money to purchase medical supplies and other support for the veterans of the Oleksandriya Territorial Community. So far the Friends have managed to send 17 generators of different sizes, an ambulance car, a social taxi for the people with moving difficulties, bedding, medical provisions and Christmas presents.

The whole event was produced by Zhenya Shkil who introduced the evening’s musical events.

We began with a composition by Ukrainian violinist and composer IIIia Bondarenko which he created as a personal tribute to his homeland. His String Nonet was performed in four movements in the company of eight other musicians.

After a short interval, we were to experience an amazing audiovisual production called ‘A Woman’s War’ which paid tribute to the strength and resilience of Ukrainian women. Created by Natalia Stojkova and Kornelia Nemcova, l was spellbound by the collective voice of a musical trio known as The Ruffians. That’s Amy Kearsley, Hestor Dart and Miranda Ostler.

A special mention also for the Argyle String Orchestra and the Courage Choir from Bradford on Avon.

The evening ended with the Ukrainian National Anthem sung by Yuliia Lut and led by violinist Illia Bondarenko – accompanied by The Argyle String Orchestra, the Courage Choir and local singers.

PS. Thanks to the Abbey Hotel for a rest stop! Shall we start a debate about the lack of public loos?!