The Boyan Ensemble, bringing their performances of sacred Orthodox music to Croydon
The Boyan Ensemble of Kiev returns to Croydon to perform next month.
Members of the Boyan Ensemble have narrowly missed being conscripted into the Ukrainian army amid the turmoil of an ongoing civil war afflicting their country.
The singers are drawn from Ukraine’s top professional male choir, The Revutsky Academic Male Capella, and we are delighted that the tour, the Ensemble’s 23rd, can go ahead with Shirley again included in their busy schedule. Full tour details including audio samples can be seen on: www.vocalclassics.co.uk/boyan
The Ensemble will be singing at St John the Evangelist Church, Shirley, on Wednesday October 21 from 7.30pm.
“The nation’s economy is near to default , the fighting continues in the Donbass region whose infrastructure has been all-but destroyed, and many thousands of displaced persons seek shelter in other locations,” Margarete Rolle, the Ensemble’s UK representative, said.
Many of the Boyan Choir have lost their livelihoods in Ukraine because of the international tensions with Russia
“The dire financial situation in Ukraine, with punishing austerity measures, are a huge burden as the singers struggle to provide for their families. The UK tour brings hope of an opportunity to earn some real money at a time when the value of their local currency has plummeted to an all-time low.”
The Shirley performance has been arranged in conjunction with the Croydon Male Voice Choir.
In Part 1 the magnificent sacred chants of the Eastern Orthodox tradition sung a capella seek to inspire in listeners a sense of the Divine. In contrast, a striking change of mood in Part 2 vividly demonstrates the exuberant and diverse folk culture of Ukraine. Here, some of the songs are accompanied on the Bandura, Lira and, for the very first time, a saxophone will feature in special arrangements for the Ensemble by soloist, Honoured Artist of Ukraine, Igor Rudyi.
Many of the works highlight the awesome basses for which the Boyan is renowned and a wonderful soprano soloist, Viktoria Zabolotska, adds a special quality. Other distinguished soloists feature throughout an unforgettable programme not to be missed.
- Tickets £18; Bookings and info 01737 554556 or dickjones1@btopenworld.com
www.croydonmalevoicechoir.co.uk
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