Strong Cavan connection with newly-formed Ukrainian Choir

Group performed in Dublin last Tuesday.

A newly formed National Ukrainian choir, which teamed up with Derry songwriter Phil Coulter to re-record one of his most famous songs in a project aimed at promoting integration, has a strong Cavan connection.

The version of 'Steal Away', originally released in 1983 for the album 'Classic Tranquillity', was recorded by a 40 strong choir of Ukrainians who fled to Ireland following the Russian invasion.

The group, led by Ukrainian-born composer and conductor Yulia Boyko, joined by her husband and trumpeter Viktor, performed at St Stephen’s Church in Dublin last Tuesday.

The lyrics of Coulter's song was translated into Ukrainian by choir director Yulia, who with Viktor operates Cavan's Gold Star School of Music.

The project was initially organised by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) companies and co-ordinated by the Irish Local Development Network across the country to promote integration.

The song will be released on music platforms on August 31.

See next week's newspaper for full report.