Top Ukrainian soprano joins North Wales orchestra for New Year Gala!

A top Ukrainian Soprano will join a North Wales orchestra for a New Year Gala.

New Sinfonia has enlisted Ukrainian Soprano and North Wales-based refugee Khrystyna Makar for their annual New Year Gala Concert, at St Giles Church in Wrexham.

Taking place on Saturday 6 January at 3pm the concert promises to be a spectacular evening of classic waltzes and marches mixed with modern twists.

It has been organised to showcase the Ukrainian soprano’s love for music in a spectacular New Year Gala Concert.

Acclaimed soprano, Khrystyna Makar studied and worked in Ukraine before moving to Aberystwyth at the outbreak of war.

Khrystyna has performed in many concerts in Wales since she first arrived at the Urdd Welsh language centre turned refugee shelter in Llangronnog, before being assigned a host family in Aberystwyth.

Last year, she was honoured to be invited to perform as a soloist at the Senedd to celebrate St David’s Day where she sang Robat Arwyn’s Anfonaf Angel (‘Guardian Angel’) – a song she has insisted on reprising once again in the upcoming Wrexham concert.

This the latest link up with refugees by NEW Sinfonia.

Khrystyna said: “In each concert I have performed in since I moved to Wales, I have tried to include a Welsh song.

“Like many of my friends, I have strived to learn Welsh culture.

“At the concert in January, I will be performing the Welsh premiere of an aria from the Ukrainian opera ‘The Stolen Happiness’ by Yulii Meitus.

“This is a terrible time for us but I have my child and music. When I feel down or stressed, I just get out a score and sing and I don’t need to think about anything else.

“Music helps me and helps me avoid the stress of our situation. I just sit, relax, sing, practice and think about my music, my new song, or my new arias, and the decisions come to me.”

As for many other Ukrainian refugees living in temporary homes across the UK, Khrystyna has had to build a new life for herself both as a musician and as a mother. Unable to find suitable accommodation in Aberystwyth, she now lives in Shotton where she is able to teach some students online and is looking for more professional opportunities.

NEW Sinfonia is an organisation whose aim to bring amateur and professional musical opportunities to all across North Wales, was established by local Wrexham brothers Robert and Jonathan Guy.

Robert Guy said: “We can’t wait for our New Year concert with Krystyna. After a sold-out Christmas Season, this is our first concert of 2024.

“We will continue to focus on promoting peace and are privileged to be working with refugees like the outstanding Khrystyna. Last year, was an amazing one for NEW Sinfonia.

“Unlike major cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff – there are not many opportunities for professional musicians.

“We are changing this and we hope our concert in Wrexham on January 6 will be the start of a record-breaking year.”

Tickets are available to purchase on the door or via NEW Sinfonia’s website.