A fund-raising concert to help support the people of Ukraine is to be held at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall.
The event, called Leicester’s Concert for Ukraine, will take place on Sunday, May 8, starting at 4pm.
It is being organised by Musical Village, a community of choirs in Leicester. Musical Village is led by soloist and vocal coach Lesia Smaditch, who has family connections to Ukraine.
The concert will feature a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian dance and music by first, second and third generation Ukrainians from across the whole of the UK. Local personalities, professional performers, a massed choir, Curve theatre performers, Leicester Cathedral choristers, the EAGA Gospel choir and a variety of musicians will be involved in the event, with more acts to be announced soon.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby has arranged for use of the Hall to be free of charge, to help support the group’s fund-raising efforts.
“Leicester stands united with the people of Ukraine. We will do all we can to support our local Ukrainian community,” he said.
“As part of this, I am pleased that we are able to offer the use of De Montfort Hall for a concert that promises to be very special, poignant and significant in helping to raise vital funds for Ukrainian people fleeing this humanitarian disaster.
“This is a unique situation, which is why we have taken this unprecedented step to show our support. In Leicester, we have always provided sanctuary for those who need it and we are proud to offer our solidarity and stand with Ukraine through these dark times.”
Organiser Lesia Smaditch said: “This disaster has affected so many innocent lives, and the suffering that we have seen on our screens is unimaginable. It has been overwhelming to see the support for Ukraine from so many people across the world, and now I would like to be part of Leicester’s message of support to Ukrainians wherever they may be.
“This concert promises to be a powerful and uplifting family event of hope and reflection. I am so grateful to Leicester City Council for its generosity and now ask that as many people as possible from Leicester join with me and continue to show that #LeicesterStandsWithUkraine.
“We are looking for singers to join a massed choir on stage and for performers to come forward or to reach out to their contacts to pass on the word. Thank you!”
If you are a singer or performer who would like to take part in the concert, contact Lesia on 07873 254279 or email LC4U@musicalvillage.co.uk for more information
Tickets for the concert will cost £20, with 100 per cent of the money raised from ticket sales going to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
De Montfort Hall will also be donating all bar profits from the evening to the cause.
Tickets can be bought in person at De Montfort Hall, by phone on 0116 233 3111 or online at www.demontforthall.co.uk
