Macclesfield: Nearly £5000 raised for Ukraine in moving charity concert
400 people attended an emotive concert in Macclesfield today, raising thousands for victims from Ukraine.
St Michael & All Angels Church on Market Place welcomed Ukrainian pianist Ivan Hovorun who gave a poignant 45-minute performance on Friday lunchtime.
The Concert for Ukraine by the Manchester Royal Northern College of Music graduate raised almost £5000 for the charities With Ukraine and The Red Cross.
The event opened with a prayer read by David Mayers, who Rachel Mayers helped organise this special Music at Mike's event.
Then Macclesfield Mayor and Tytherington resident David Edwardes spoke just before Ivan came to play in the centre of the Macclesfield church.
"He's a fabulously talented pianist," said David.
"We must remember why we are here today: to show our support and solidarity with Ukraine.
"My family is slightly complicated in that the Mayoress of Macclesfield Natalia is Russian, although she is a British Citizen. She has an uncle, and his wife, who live in Crimea with Ukrainian passports.
"They have a son and daughter, both with Ukrainian passports. The son is fighting in Ukraine, and the daughter, just 18 and a student, is in her University city, totally alone. She is terrified, absolutely terrified.
"I've been trying to get her into the United Kingdom to live with us. It has not been easy.
"She is merely a cousin of my wife and therefore she is not considered to be an 'immediate' family member or even an "extended" family member.
"What we are united with, is wanting the war to stop now. That is why we are here today."
Ivan then said a few words before he played his first note.
"I am very grateful for your support and your attendance", said the Ukrainian musician.
"I wish that the reason for this event could be more pleasant but I'm very delighted that you all came and expressed your support to the people of my country."
Ivan was born in Kaniv, a rural city two hours south west from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. He also lived in Lviv for 15 years, which is a city close to the Polish border.
He was last in Ukraine in January 2022.
"In my personal opinion the Third World War has already started," he added.
"It's very difficult to read the news and go to sleep. I'm getting an extremely high amount of calls from Ukrainian friends.
"It's very difficult to speak, but I do hope music can express all the feelings."
At the piano keys, Ivan evoked the serious nature of the times we live in opening with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
A powerful rendition of Felix Mendelssohn's Variations sérieuses then used the breadth of the piano, as the second piece to be performed.
After a rousing applause, the next classical piece Ivan played was Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne, in C sharp.
A sombre yet epic rendition of Franz Liszt's Funeral Odes was the penultimate piece, which led to a standing ovation from both audience and performer.
Ivan closed the stunning setlist with the most recent piece of music, and indeed one by a fellow Ukrainian.
The film soundtrack song Melody by Myroslav Mykhaylovych Skoryk, was a powerful 1970s piece of music composed by a fellow countryman.
As hundreds of guests rose for another rapturous applause, both for Ivan's performance, bravery, and indeed all Ukrainians affected by the ongoing crisis.
As many exited donating via cash or card, some remained to speak with Ivan.
Macclesfield Nub News engaged in conversation with Ivan and his mother Luba, who was filming his son throughout the performance.
"I'm very proud," Luba said.
"I first taught Ivan piano all those years ago when he was aged five."
Ivan will perform concerts like this across the north west in the coming days, but none may be as full as Friday afternoon's event.
One lady who donated to the free fundraising concert said: "I've never seen this place so rammed."
Rachel and David Mayers of St. Michael's proudly announced the final total with the following statement on social media:
"An amazing, stirring and memorable recital by Ivan Hovorun today, raising funds to support the people of Ukraine.
"Many thanks for the generous cash donations totalling over £4550, plus whatever donations people have made online."
The final total including card donations has likely elapsed £5000, all from one hour in Macclesfield.
The next Music@Mike's concert will be held on April 28 at 1:15pm, and will raise money for Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice.
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