A traumatised refugee exiled from war-torn Ukraine will find solace through music this Christmas when she sings with the choir that’s been her lifesaver.
Viktoria Ivanova, 52, is a member of the NEW Voices ensemble which will be teaming up with the acclaimed NEW Sinfonia orchestra to deliver a mesmerising production of cinematic hit The Snowman.
They will be taking part in three family-friendly performances of the festive favourite at St Giles’ Church in Wrexham at 1.30pm, 4.15pm and 7pm on Saturday, December 14.
Tickets are now on sale with prices being kept as low as possible because NEW Sinfonia wants whole families and friends to be able to afford to come together for the seasonal celebration.
To add to the enchantment of the occasion each interactive show will begin with an uplifting sing-along before three giant screens broadcast the much-loved movie of The Snowman. As the film is screened its electrifying soundtrack will be played live in the church by NEW Sinfonia.
The solos will be performed by three gifted local schoolchildren – Esther Theunissen, of Ysgol Maelor, Emily Stephenson of Ysgol Rhiwabon, and Rose Burgon who is home-schooled. They will each separately take on the heart-melting role at the three different shows..
During the concert extra activities including drawing and colouring sessions will be laid on for children and even enthusiastic adults to join in making it a fun musical day out for all.
Entry prices for each show start at £5 for children, with adult rates varying from £8 up to the highest price front row seats at £24. Some tickets with a slightly restricted view are available for just £1.
Viktoria is just one of a number of refugees from Ukraine who have found the choir to be a beacon of support as they face immense challenges.
Focusing her attention of the joys of performing The Snowman has, she said, been a lifeline helping combat the ongoing emotional stresses of seeing her homeland invaded by Russia.
She first fled the terrors of war a decade ago when Russian forces moved into Crimea and invaded her home area in the Donetsk region.
She said: “My home has been occupied by Russia since 2014. It was impossible to live there with a pro-Ukrainian position, so I left for the territory controlled by Ukraine. But in 2022, a full-scale war caught me there too. I lost my home for the second time.
“My entire family is torn apart, some live under occupation, some in Europe, some under daily bombing.”
When she arrived in Wrexham she had neither money nor clothes and she did not know what her life would bring.
Then she met the founder of the Wrexham-based charity UareUK, Jane Tounend, who helped her find accommodation and a job.
She said: “I have been singing with NEW Voices for two years. I have always loved music, it unites hearts.
“For me, participating in the choir is like a psychotherapy session. I’m traumatized by the war. But the friendly atmosphere does incredible things. I’ve made many friends in the choir
“Thanks to them and the music, my Christmas will also be like a fairy tale. And I will make a wish for the war to end. All my country wants is freedom and independence.”
NEW Sinfonia has grown to become one of Britain’s most respected orchestras since it was founded a decade ago by Wrexham-born brothers Robert and Jonathan Guy.
They brought together a multi-talented group of musicians who grew up in North Wales but now play professionally all around the globe. Many will be returning home especially to take part in the Christmas performances.
Robert himself will be taking up the baton for the three back-to-back shows hot on the heels of having made his debut conducting in London’s West End and working with composer Danny Elfman at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Elfman created the music to blockbuster movies The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Edward Scissorhands.
NEW Voices is NEW Sinfonia orchestra’s sister venture, set up with the help of funding from the Arts Council of Wales. It was launched as the NEW Sinfonia leadership determined to do more to support the community in which they grew up.
The free choir rehearses at Tŷ Pawb community hub in Wrexham and is open to anyone to join in even if they are complete beginners.
Robert said he was delighted to welcome Viktoria and other refugees among the ranks of the vocal ensemble, alongside amateur singers from all over North Wales.
He said: “Key to the success of NEW Voices is its diversity, we have singers of all styles, ages and backgrounds but they all work as one to produce a tremendous sound. At the heart of it all is a love of music which knows no barriers.
“We invite everyone along to the beautiful the stunningly beautiful St Giles Church to enjoy what we promise will be the best, most family friendly show in town.”
Tickets are available via the NEW Sinfonia website https://www.newsinfonia.org.uk/events
or from the Wrexham Visitor Centre in Chester Street, Wrexham.
Information about NEWVoices is also available via the NEW Sinfonia website and Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/newsinfonia/
Any proceeds from The Snowman concerts will go to help the UareUK United to Assist Refugees, Wrexham-based charity, which offers advice, friendship and sanctuary for people forced to flee their homes.
