Four Galway based Ukrainian singers, Alina Andriienko, Albina Nedostup, Viktoriia Yermolieva and Kateryna Samko, who are part of the National Ukrainian Choir, performed with music legend, Phil Coulter, in a recently released adaption of hit song, ‘Steal Away’.
The reimagined version of ‘Steal Away’ which was translated into Ukrainian, was performed at a special event in Saint Stephen’s Church, Dublin, this week where the choir performed the new single with Phil Coulter. Originally written by Coulter 40 years ago, ‘Steal Away’ tells the story of a couple who escape from the Troubles and conflict, a situation that mirrors the reality of life for many Ukrainians today.
The new National Ukrainian Choir is made up for 40 people, including Alina Andriienko, Albina Nedostup and Viktoriia Yermolieva from Galway city, and Kateryna Samko, from Oughterard, joining fellow Ukrainians across Ireland who have fled their home country as a result of the war.
Commenting on his involvement in the initiative, Phil Coulter said, “When I wrote Steal Away in 1983 the song was in response to the conflict that was happening in Northern Ireland at the time. I couldn’t have imagined that 40 years later it would have a connection to the situation facing Ukrainians today. I have travelled all over the world with my music and have seen how it can cross borders and create friendships as a universal language. It has been an honour to work on the recording of this single. I hope that the initiative has provided a source of unity and has given the choir some semblance of hope for a brighter future.”
Speaking about the launch of Steal Away, Linda Brogan, CEO of Galway City Partnership said, “Community Development and Social Inclusion is at the heart of the work Galway City Partnership, we were delighted to support such a wonderful initiative. Music is a powerful medium that provides us with a connectedness like no other. Collectively through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP ) programme and in partnership with other local development companies we have managed to create something very special, something all of us in Galway City Partnership is very proud of. This song now resonates with both the Irish and Ukrainian Communities; a show of unity. To borrow an Irish phrase, Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”
Also commenting on the single launch, Carol Baumann, CEO at the Irish Local Development Network said “We are delighted to have been able to co-ordinate this initiative in conjunction with Galway City Partnership and local development companies across Ireland. The role of our 49 local development companies (LDCs ) is to create vibrant and inclusive communities where people feel supported and welcome. Music is a universal language and has been a great way for the participants make meaningful connections and express themselves through song.
“The single ‘Steal Away’ is just one positive outcome from this initiative, the most important outcome is the impact on the community in Galway. Some of our national choir members have started their own choirs locally providing an opportunity for further integration. Along with initiatives like the Ukrainian National Choir, local development companies assist communities and disadvantaged individuals and groups with personal development and well-being; education and training; employment services; family supports and urban and rural development. Our LDCs are doing remarkable work in Galway and across the country, and we hope to continue to help build inclusive communities where all members are valued and supported.”
The song will be available for download via Spotify from August 31, and the road to the launch forms the subject of a documentary due to be released in coming months.
