Galway members of the National Ukrainian Choir, brought together by the Irish Local Development Network, will join Phil Coulter for two songs on stage today, Friday, at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Composed of over 30 Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland, the choir will perform ‘Steal Away’ accompanied by Coulter on piano, and ‘Carol of the Bells’ accompanied by three trumpeters: Victor Boyko, husband of choir director Yulia Boyko, and their two sons Anton and Alex.
‘Carol of the Bells’ has its origins in the Ukrainian folksong ‘Shchedryk’. Alina Andriienko, Albina Nedostup and Viktoriia Yermolieva from Galway city, and Kateryna Samko, from Oughterard are all members of the choir who will be performing in Dublin on Friday night.
Coulter’s ‘Steal Away’ was recently translated into Ukrainian, recorded and released as a single by the National Ukrainian Choir in collaboration with the singer.
Originally written by the artist 40 years ago, it tells the story of a couple who escape from the Troubles, and this year’s fresh recording underlines the many parallels that exist with the current situation facing Ukrainians today.
Available for download via Spotify, the choir’s journey with Coulter also forms the basis for a special documentary, due to be released in 2024.
Commenting ahead of the concert, Phil Coulter said he is delighted to be able to perform ‘Steal Away’ with the choir again, this time on stage at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
“This is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever undertaken, and is much more than just a re-recording for me, it’s about reaching out to our Ukrainian communities across Ireland in a spirit of warmth, welcome and solidarity,” he said.
“It’s also a timely reminder to be grateful for what we have and, with all the challenges the world currently faces, to hold our loved ones even closer this year.
“Carol of the Bells’ has its origins in Ukrainian culture, and I’m really looking forward to performing it live on stage with the choir as we approach the Christmas season.”
‘Steal Away’ was translated into her native Ukrainian by choir director Yulia Boyko, who has been living in Co. Cavan for twenty years, where she runs her own music school.
Further information about the ‘Steal Away’ initiative is available online here. The single is available on Spotify and YouTube.
