An evening of Ukranian performances:
- Singer Tonya Matvienko
- Ukrland: A one-woman show featuring texts from modern Ukrainian playwrights and writers, written after the start of the war in Ukraine. Performed by Shorena Shoniia, directed by Yurii Radionov. (Performed in Ukrainian with English subtitles)
- The Ukrainian and Welsh national anthems will be performed by a choir.
Tonya Matvienko
Ukranians say the soul of Ukraine sings in her voice. Tonya was born to a dynasty of world-renowned Ukrainian folk singers, known publicly as guardians of Ukrainian musical culture. By the authentic timbre of voice that she inherited from her mother, Nina Matvienko, the Hero of Ukraine, Tonya has established herself as a devoted promoter of Ukrainian folk songs overseas.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tonya, like millions of Ukrainians, was forced to seek refuge in Europe. Together with her 6-year-old daughter, the artist found a second home in Taunton. Tonya remembers her roots and introduces the local audience to the magnificent sides of Ukrainian culture. During her stay in Britain, she has performed numerous charity concerts, raising funds both for Ukrainian Army and for the needs of the victims of war in Ukraine.
Mumbles A Cappella
Mumbles A Cappella is a Swansea-based choir who enjoy singing music of all genres. The choir plays a full part in community life and has sung at many events over the last 4 years supporting various important causes ranging from the Maggies’ cancer support centre in Singleton to the plight of the Ukrainian people. Mumbles A Cappella is a very busy choir and performs regularly in many venues across South Wales. This year the choir has sung twice in the Grand Theatre in Swansea – firstly in an event to welcome Ukrainian families to Wales and secondly on August 24th to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day. The choir is determined to support and highlight the plight of the Ukrainian people and looks forward to further opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups.