Special Longford concert for Ukraine

Longford’s and Ireland’s finest musicians and singers are coming together to do something very special – a fundraising concert for our friends from Ukraine on Wednesday, December 7 at 8pm in Backstage Theatre.

Audiences will be entertained by a hoast of talented performers including the Rock 'n' Roll kid Charlie McGettigan, Sean Rooney, Maria Matthews, Trad musician of the year Angelina Carberry accompanied by Dan Brouder, Paul Hennessy, Evolution Stage School members and Ukrainian performers including Diana Cherevychna.

Over the last few months, Irish people have stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Connections have been forged between people of Longford and the many Ukrainians now living among us.

When Longford’s celebrated musician Paul Gurney was approached by a young Ukrainian woman – Maria Khaleeva, to help her organise a fundraising concert for the Red Cross – he did not hesitate.

“How could you say no. These people have gone through so much,” Paul said “I contacted the legendary Charlie McGettigan and my friends in the music industry and we put this together with Maria, Backstage Theatre, the performers, and crew. Everybody is volunteering their time to make this a great night of music and a great fundraiser for the Red Cross.”
When asked about the show, Maria Khaleeva, a 20-year-old student from Kharkiv in east Ukraine, proudly spoke of the Ukrainian musicians involved in the performance. “The Ukrainian musicians will immerse you in folk and modern Ukrainian music. You’ll hear traditional songs and today’s music representing the spirit of the Ukrainians.

“Furthermore, a violinist – Diana Cherevychna, will play solo and accompaniment in folk songs. In the act of bringing Irish and Ukrainian culture together, you’ll witness some fusion of our songs too.”

The fundraising event is proudly supported by County Longford Arts Service and Backstage Theatre.
The show starts at 8pm on Wednesday, December 7. Tickets available online at www.backstage.ie or on the door. All proceeds go towards the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.