MEMBERS of a world renowned choir will be performing a special historic song in the Durham area for the first time - as part of a double 20-year celebration.

The song is being performed by the Boyan Ensemble - part of the Revutsky Academic Male Choir of Kiev, in Ukraine at St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth, near Durham City, at 7.30pm on Friday November 11.

The event will mark the choir’s 20th annual UK tour, as well as the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.

The special rendition of "Many Years", a traditional song normally used in Slavonik countries only on special occasions, is the singers’ way of showing its appreciation to audiences who have helped to save their choir from extinction, by supporting their UK tours.

Margarete Rolle, the Boyan Ensemble’s UK representative said: "This is a rousing song wishing good health and many years of life usually sung to people who are considered important.

"We thought it would be a good way of thanking the British audiences who have made this all possible through their support.

"After the downfall of communism, the singers literally had to sink or swim, so it is only these annual tours which have enabled them to stay together as a professional choir.

"British supporters have been amazingly loyal, have provided the singers with free accommodation while they are here and often go to extraordinary lengths to get to concerts."

The ensemble, which takes its name from a word meaning "travelling minstrel", has broadcast live on Radio 3, has been featured on Classic FM and is considered to be the best male choir to take part in the prestigious Moscow Easter Festival.

The singers present a programme of sacred Orthodox chants in the first half of their concerts and devote the second half to Ukrainian folk songs, many of them humorous reflecting life, love and the passage of time.

Some are accompanied on traditional instruments which were banned under the old communist regime.

Mrs Rolle, who has been awarded the Medal of St. George by the Ukrainian government for her contribution to promoting the nation’s culture in Great Britain, said: "One of our supporters recently described the performances as ‘brilliant: cassocks in the first half and Cossacks in the second’, and that pretty much sums it up."

Tickets £16 and are available through stbrandonchurch@btinternet.com the church administrator on 0191-378 0289 or Geoff Knott on 07784 896751.

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