A Ukrainian refugee who fled her war-torn homeland twice has 'found solace in singing.'
Viktoria Ivanova, 52, is a member of the NEW Voices ensemble and will be performing in a production of The Snowman at St Giles' Church in Wrexham on December 14.
The production will be a collaboration between the choir and the NEW Sinfonia orchestra.
Ms Ivanova is one of many Ukrainian refugees who have found the choir to be a 'beacon of support' as they face immense challenges.
She said that focusing her attention on the joys of performing The Snowman has been a 'lifeline', helping combat the ongoing emotional stresses of seeing her homeland invaded by Russia.
She first fled the terrors of war a decade ago when Russian forces moved into Crimea and invaded her home area in the Donetsk region.
She said: "My home has been occupied by Russia since 2014.
"It was impossible to live there with a pro-Ukrainian position, so I left for the territory controlled by Ukraine.
"But in 2022, a full-scale war caught me there too.
"I lost my home for the second time.
"My entire family is torn apart, some live under occupation, some in Europe, some under daily bombing."
When she arrived in Wrexham, she 'had neither money nor clothes and she did not know what her life would bring.'
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Then she met the founder of the Wrexham-based charity UareUK, Jane Tounend, who helped her find accommodation and a job.
She said: "I have been singing with NEW Voices for two years.
"I have always loved music, it unites hearts.
"For me, participating in the choir is like a psychotherapy session.
"I’m traumatised by the war, but the friendly atmosphere does incredible things.
"I’ve made many friends in the choir.
"Thanks to them and the music, my Christmas will also be like a fairy tale.
"And I will make a wish for the war to end, all my country wants is freedom and independence."
NEW Sinfonia has grown to become one of Britain’s 'most respected' orchestras since it was founded a decade ago by Wrexham-born brothers Robert and Jonathan Guy.
They brought together a 'multi-talented' group of musicians who grew up in North Wales but now play professionally all around the globe.
Many will be returning home especially to take part in the Christmas performances.
Robert himself will be taking up the baton for the three back-to-back shows hot on the heels of having made his debut conducting in London’s West End and working with composer Danny Elfman at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
NEW Voices is NEW Sinfonia orchestra’s sister venture, set up with the help of funding from the Arts Council of Wales.
It was launched as the NEW Sinfonia leadership determined to do more to support the community in which they grew up.
The free choir rehearses at Tŷ Pawb community hub in Wrexham and is open to anyone to join in even if they are complete beginners.
Any proceeds from The Snowman concerts will go to help the UareUK United to Assist Refugees, Wrexham-based charity, which offers advice, friendship and sanctuary for people forced to flee their homes.
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