ALISTAIR McGowan is to lead a stellar cast of local, national and Internationally renowned performers in a gala live concert in aid of the Ukrainian people at St Laurence’s Church.
Ludlow resident Mr McGowan, the hugely popular TV impressionist, comic, actor and singer, will be joined by a host of musicians and composers to perform “In Unison With Ukraine” a concert to raise funds for the Disaster Emergency Committee Ukrainian humanitarian appeal.
The list of top rank International stars includes the brilliant Ukrainian bass-baritone opera singer Vasyl Savenko, a leading interpreter of Ukrainian Art Song.
Mr Savenko has sung principal roles for major opera houses in his native Ukraine and also with the Bolshoi and Kirov Opera Theatres in Russia.
“I absolutely condemn the Russian invasion and its devastating consequences, but feel a deep anguish over the resulting divisions between people who have considered themselves as one nation,” said Mr Savenko, who was born in the Odessa region of the Ukraine.
“Millions of Ukrainians are married to Russians and vice versa and there was a popular exchange in education, culture and sport: I started my vocal studies at the Odessa conservatoire and finished at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky conservatoire.
“This brutal, senseless war has created a terrible humanitarian crisis and vast sums of money and support are needed to help the millions of refugees and for the rebuilding of the nation, so I’m particularly happy to participate in this concert ‘In unison with Ukraine.”
The event is being organised by Ludlow resident Kim Begley, a former principal tenor at the Royal Opera House, who has sung in all the great opera houses of the world and his opera singer wife Elizabeth.
Also starring will be Charlotte Page, a leading lady in international opera houses and theatres alike, whose credits include Christine in Phantom Of The Opera and who once sang at a birthday party for Sir Elton John.
St Laurence’s Church will also echo to the sound of the violinist Tom Bowes,.
In Unison With Ukraine, is on Saturday 14 May, 7.30pm.
For further information please contact Kim Begley via email at kimbegley52@gmail.com or on 07539 778374
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