AN ESTEEMED jazz accordionist from Ukraine joined students for their spring showcase to keep fundraising for his country.
The University of Winchester, hosted virtuoso accordionist Volodymyr Vasylenko at the chapel on campus for the music centre’s Spring Cabaret on Wednesday, March 29.
Volodymyr’s former host, Stella Thurston, set up the partnership to help the accordionist keep performing in order to raise money and allow him to stay with his family in Winchester.
The programme also featured solo and group performances by the students, providing them with the opportunity to try something new without the pressure of assessment or a large audience.
READ MORE: Ukrainian musician plays first concert in Winchester for his country
Opening the show opened was the university folk band alongside Volodomyr, one of only five virtuoso accordionists in Ukraine.
Among the mix of theatre classics and original songs from guitarist Alex Jeffrey was a performance by student Xinyue Zhao on the Guzheng, otherwise known as the Chinese Zither.
Volodymyr brought the evening to a close with a fast paced set of Ukrainian pieces before a final and more familiar tune of Someday My Prince Will Come accompanied by pianist Adam Blosse and Ukrainian guitarist Natalia Sorokina.
University music director Neil Valentine said: “Volodymyr is fabulous. He’s ridiculously good and plays with such expression. We’re looking for more opportunities for him to play with us in the next academic year and at a City of Sanctuary event in June.
“It’s so important the students have the chance to express themselves and try something new in a safe space.”
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Musical theatre student Rachael Fisher, 20, said: “I’ve done pretty much all the cabarets since I started here. It’s a good experience for us but it’s also such a nice, relaxing vibe with a small audience. It’s nice to perform without the massive pressure of exams too.”
The evening was in aid of the International Medical Corps, with audience members watching online or in person being encouraged to donate.
Volodymyr, 39, said: “I’m grateful to the university to have been welcomed to be a part of it. I hope this will become a bridge to something more.
“I’m delighted that we are increasing the profile of Ukrainian music and hopefully raising some money too.
Volodymyr’s supporter and former host, Stella Thurston, 55, said: “It’s a demonstration of how many barriers can be broken down through music. Music is an international expression. I hope performing with the students will continue to be on the agenda.”
The Ukrainian musician will next be performing at St Lawrence Church, in The Square, on Saturday, April 15 from 12.30pm for the International Medical Corps.
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