Requiem concert for lost children of Ukraine raises funds for displaced families

November 2022

Beyond Conflict and Ukrainian Cathedral concert raises thousands of pounds

“Flawless, emotional, brilliant and superb” were just some of the words used in feedback to describe Beyond Conflict and Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral’s Armistice Day concert for Ukraine’s refugees in London.

The evening of music for the Cathedral’s Welcome Centre featured a stunning opening segment from the Ukrainian quartet VIVO, followed by an incredibly moving performance of Adrian Snell’s “The Cry”. It was performed by the London Oriana Choir and Alleyn’s School, together with soloist Katy Treharne, violinist Nikita Vikhorev, and our keyboard players Sabrina Handreck, Nick Hawarth, Jim Pollard, David Smith. Conductor Nicholas Chalmers conjured controlled emotions from the performers and kept the audience in awe of him coming to the event at short notice, yet drawing a heart-rending collective performance that gently lifted into hope for peace.

The concert honoured Ukrainian families who fled the war, in particular the children. Almost 1,000 children have died in this war and millions more have been displaced, according to UNHCR.

The event was attended by Ukrainian refugee families invited as our special guests, Ambassadors from six embassies and religious leaders across several faiths, led by the Rt Revd Kenneth Nowakowski, Ukrainian Eparchial Bishop of the Holy Family Eparchy in London.

The Bishop spoke movingly of the plight of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their country following Russia’s brutal invasion in February.  Andriy Marchenko, Director of the Welcome Centre, spoke about how the centre has become a vital hub for displaced Ukrainians in London. Beyond Conflict Director and Co-Founder Edna Fernandes, spoke about the charity’s work providing mental health support to victims of war and the displaced, including those from Ukraine. The evening ended with prayers from The Very Revd Fr Mykola Matwijiwskyj, Cathedral Rector and Canon Edmund Newell, Chairman of BC. Close to £5,000 net was raised. Beyond Conflict Director and Co-Founder, said:

“Thanks to everyone who took part and supported this cause. The Cathedral’s Welcome Centre is more than a place to meet. It is a place to heal, gather strength and restore hope, so that when the time comes, the Ukrainians using this Centre can go home strong to rebuild the peace.”

Of the funds raised, 75 per cent will go to the Welcome Centre, with the remainder going to frontline support for Ukrainian refugees. Please donate if you can via our GoFundMe page here, and please share the link. You can also watch the concert here.  

If you’re happy to be kept informed directly, please just drop an email, subject line “Please keep me informed” to our Director/Co-Founder, Edna Fernandes at: edna@beyond-conflict.co.uk. Thank you.