Internationally-renowned Ukrainian musicians will be taking part in a special performance at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in June, when all of the proceeds will go towards children affected by the war.
The Voices of Ukraine event has been added to the festival's 2022 programme and will take place at Dromore Yard in Waterford on Sunday, 5 June.
It replaces the Bolshoi Theatre Young Artists Recital which was cancelled earlier in March in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Among the artists taking part in the event will be soprano Ruslana Koval, baritone Stanislav Kuflyuk and pianist Iryna Krasnovska with tickets expected to sell out quickly.
The money raised will go towards UNICEF's Ukrainian appeal for children in the war-afflicted country.
"This finale recital at Dromore Yard," said the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival's artistic director Dieter Kaegi, "will now feature a trio of outstanding Ukrainian artists.
"We urge everyone to come and support this exceptional and unique event, in a stunning location along the magnificent Blackwater Valley."
Festival director Eamonn Carroll said the concert was "born out of our need to do something to support the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the many artists who have been impacted in the region.
"We are shining a spotlight on the incredible talent that this country has to offer, whilst also raising much-needed funds to support children impacted by the war."
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returns this summer from 31 May to 6 June with a bigger celebration of opera, classical music and the arts than ever before.
Highlights include the headline opera Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice with the award-winning Irish Baroque Orchestra and CoisCéim Dance Theatre; a new 'Discover Singing’ programme; concerts in Dromore Yard; a James Joyce spoken recital; dance and orchestral collaborations; free open-air lunchtime performances in towns across Waterford and Cork, and unique dining experiences.
BVOF will showcase emerging Irish talent alongside established international artists to bring opera to life in a variety of locations such as Lismore Castle, Salterbridge House, St Carthage’s Cathedral, Villierstown Church and Tourin House along the Blackwater Valley.
It is supported by the Arts Council, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Leader, and Fáilte Ireland and the festival’s lead sponsors are Kildare Village, Marsh, AIB and the John Pollard Foundation.
