On Monday evening our friends from the Ukraine, the Kyiv Classic Accordion Duo made their fifteenth visit to St Finnbarr’s to enthral the capacity audience who heard their skill and virtuosity and raised money for both the children of Chernobyl and the victims of the war in Ukraine.

They played a varied concert of classical and folk music by Ukrainian composers: Lysenko, Bortnyansky, Skoryk, Vlasov and Runchak, in the first half, and by more familiar names: Jenkins, Sakamoto, Piazzolla, Webber, Elgar and someone called Prof. Teddy Bor, in the second. And the very appreciative audience collected the staggering sum of over £1000 for the boys to take back with them to help just a little back home in Ukraine.

Igor and Oleksiy studied at the National Music Academy of Ukraine in Kiev and began to perform professionally in 2002. Oleksiy plays in the Orchestra of the National Radio of Ukraine; Igor works in the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. They have been back on tour now every year since 2009 (except the COVID years) and now of course there is the war in Ukraine and the victims of that tragedy, the beneficiaries of this year’s tour.

Using two contemporary button accordions this pair can make the sound of a small squeezebox, a big church organ, a string quartet and even an orchestra playing such a variety of musical styles that at time it took our breath away.  Thanks very much to Igor and Olesky, to the ‘St Finnbarr’s elves for organising and providing refreshments and to the audience for their generosity, raising well over a thousand pounds..

Prayer for all in Ukraine

We pray for Igor and Oleskiy, their families and friends, those supported by their charity work and all the people of Ukraine in this time of  danger, fear and conflict.

Lord of all the earth,
be present with the people of Ukraine
at this time of danger, fear, and conflict.
Grant that wise and peaceable counsels may yet prevail,
and give to all suffering nations
the freedom they desire and deserve.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Holy God,
We hold before you all who live close to war and conflict;
and all who live close to the threat of war and violence.
We remember especially at this time, people in Ukraine and Russia.
We pray for nonviolence and peaceful resolutions of conflict.
Give us hearts of hospitality and sanctuary,
forgive us all our hostility and hatred.
Bring all people to the humanity you give us,
and to the reconciliation and healing for which you gave your life.
Strengthen us all to work with you to build justice and peace,
reconciliation and healing,
in our hearts and homes, in our streets,
in all communities, neighbourhoods and nations.
Bless all who live lives for the peace and wellbeing of others,
and make their service fruitful.
In the name of Christ.
Amen.