Message of strength and hope shared at concert marking fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine

A moving message of hope and strength was shared through song and performance to mark the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

The charity concert, named ‘Through memory into light: Ukrainian voices of strength and hope in Maidenhead’, took place at Maidenhead United Reformed Church on Friday.

The event featured an artistic collaboration between the Kryla Choir and Spivochi Choir, two Ukrainian singing groups which have been set up in Maidenhead and Reading.

Youngsters from The Theatre of Personality also joined the performance.

The Reading-based group launched last year to bring together Ukrainian teenagers who were struggling with feelings of isolation after moving to the UK.

The concert was divided into two parts, with the first half reflecting loss, memory and resilience and the second moving towards faith, light and belief in a better future.

Using choral music, spoken word and theatrical performance, the artists ‘created a moving journey from remembrance and sorrow towards hope and light’.

Oksana Dema, founder and director of the Kryla and Spivochi choirs, said: “Singing has become a way for us to process grief, share hope, and stay connected to our homeland.

“Through music, we keep our culture alive and remind ourselves — and others — who we are.”

The Spivochi Choir rehearses at the Maidenhead URC in West Street while the Kryla Choir meets regularly at the Ukrainian Centre in Reading.

Oksana said she set up the groups in response to a ‘very emotional need within the community’.

She added: “We are building our lives here, but part of us remains with our country. We follow the news every day. Our hearts are heavy.

“That is why I created the choir. Through singing, we bring people together. Ukrainian songs allow us to express sadness and hope at the same time. For us, the choir is more than music — it is family. We support one another. We stay strong together. Singing is like therapy for our hearts.”

Through the theatre and music, the performers sought to remind audiences that the war in Ukraine continues, while also demonstrating that Ukrainians ‘remain a people of culture, dignity and light’.

Organisers of the concert said the event was also an ‘expression of gratitude’, particularly to the British community who have supported Ukrainians since the invasion.

Kateryna Spitkovskaya, founder of the Theatre of Personality, said: “We do not run away from pain. We transform it. If pain has no direction, it can destroy.

“But through art we can turn it into creative energy, into warmth, into something that supports others.

“We want the world to see more than war. We want people to see who we are — a nation with deep culture, strong traditions and open hearts. We believe in peace — for our children, for Ukraine and for the whole world.”

Following the concert, guests shared traditional Ukrainian dishes prepared by members of both choirs and participants of the Personality Theatre.

Guests at the event included the Royal Borough Mayor Cllr Mandy Brar and her consort Harry Brar.