By Natalya Krasnenkova

Beautiful sounds and hand crafted gifts made for a very special occasion on Sunday as the Ukrainian community came together to thank locals for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Ksenia Ruskak pictured during her solo performance dat St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Kaenia and Sofia Yershovy pictured at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastasya Garbera

Getting ready to perform were members of the Ukrainian Choir at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Young Ukrainians performed in the Children's Choir in St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday was full of guests as the Ukrainian choir prepared for their 'Thank You' concert. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Members of the Irish Cathedral Choir pictured performing at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastaya Garbera

Adrian McSweeney playing at the charity concert in St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastasiya Garbera

Christmas cards made by Ukrainians which were handed out to those in attendance at Sunday's concert. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

The talented Yershovy Sisters performing at Sunday's concert in St Mary's Church of Ireland. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

A charity concert was held at St Mary's Church of Ireland and it was packed to the rafters as the 200 seats could not accommodate all present.

A choir of Ukrainians currently living in Killarney spent three weeks in daily rehearsals to present the best Ukrainian carols and had prepared a large programme of traditional Christmas songs and melodies.

Fortunately, among the participants there are many professional singers Okasna Bondarenko, Anna Domina and Olena Basko, who helped other participants to sound sublime.

“The whole choir sang from the heart. It was an opportunity to show what a good Ukrainian fun song is,” Anna Domina said.

The children's choir also prepared the song 'Oh, who loves St Nicholas?'. Saint Nicholas is for Ukrainians what Santa Claus is for the Irish. Children are waiting for St Nicholas who traditionally brings them gifts and puts them under the pillow. It is no accident that during the performance of this song, the Ukrainians treated all the little guests to sweets.

The Ukrainian violinist sisters Yeroshovy from Listowel impressed everyone with their virtuoso performance. People in the hall cried and applauded when they heard the world-famous 'Melody' by the Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.

Bandur player Ksenia Rusnak travelled from Lisdoonvarna where she lives now to perform several compositions.

The Irish Cathedral Choir joined the concert with several Christmas carols accompanied by the organ and Adrian McSweeney sang a traditional Irish song.

"We really wanted to introduce the Irish audience to our musical Christmas traditions. Now the whole world sings the 'Carol of the Bells' written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. In Ukrainian, this Christmas song is called 'Shchedryk'. Exactly one hundred years ago, the premiere of this song took place in New York. Singing and spending this special time together, we can become closer to each other and connect culturally and spiritually," Yulya Spillane, one of the organisers, said.

To commemorate the concert, all guests received Christmas cards and angels made by Ukrainian children.

"We will be happy if these small gifts decorate your homes and create a festive atmosphere."

Ukrainians are very grateful to Rev. Simon J Lumby from St Mary's Church for the wonderful venue and KASI for providing a room for rehearsals.

After the successful concert, the Ukrainian choir received several invitations for future performances. All those who could not make it to last Sunday's concert are invited to the church in Fossa next Wednesday, December 21, with other concerts also possible in the coming week.