A musician who raised almost £5000 for Ukraine through a concert in a Macclesfield church, will return to our town in June.

Ukrainian pianist Ivan Hovorun (38), who had performed semi-regular concerts at St. Michael's Church in Macclesfield for half-a-decade, was astounded to play for a packed-out church in March.

Just over a fortnight after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, Ivan poured his soul into his performance, and played an emotive setlist of piano pieces for over 400 Macclesfield residents.

The concert raised £4500 for Ukrainian humanitarian causes, and Ivan will hope to raise the same amount again when he returns on Thursday June 9.

Ivan has recently reconnected with former classmates and friends at the Lviv Opera House, thanks to the high profile nature of his UK concerts, which has also helped him understand what donations are most needed in the country. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

This time round, Ivan has elected to raise money for Macclesfield Ukrainian related charities, rather than national outfits.

Volunteer groups Refugees Welcome and the Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid Collection Point (of Gunco Lane) will benefit from the upcoming event.

"Straight after the last concert - like all musicians - I felt totally exhausted", said Ivan

"But I was overwhelmed by the result we were able to achieve from the kind support of the local community.

Ivan conversed with hundreds of Macclesfield residents after the concert, with many giving him gifts. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Since then, I've also got back in touch with some of my friends in Ukraine, and collected some urgent aid requests to forward to local volunteers.

"For the next Macclesfield concert I would like to play some new pieces.

"I would also like to play a concert of Ukrainian only composers in the future, but this takes time to prepare.

"Maybe I will play a Ukrainian piece in Macclesfield again this time, but I will definitely play some of the works of German composer Robert Schumann."

Ivan:

Ivan has performed 11 relief concerts across the UK, where he takes no fee, only doing it to raise money for Ukraine.

He will be selling CDs at the upcoming Macclesfield gig, which starts at 1:15pm.

He estimates he has raised at least £10,000 for Ukraine through the power of music.

"But for me it is not about numbers," Ivan revealed.

The concert is part of the long-running Music @ Mike's series, which has always raised money for charity, but have never been as popular as they are now thanks to Ivan. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"It is about people willing to help and going out of their way to do so.

"Spreading the word is just as important to me than money.

"Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield for their support, not just from me, but on behalf of all Ukrainians."

Ivan is originally from Kaniv, and lived in Lviv before settling in Manchester after studying at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Ivan was taught to play piano by his mother Luba. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

He has plans to play at least six other fundraising concerts this year, raising money and awareness for his under-attack home-country.

"Every single penny donated or online post is deeply appreciated", Ivan added.

"It is so important that people keep up the support after seven months. It is so easy to get tired.

"But local volunteers have already raised over £200,000, so please come show some support for them too by coming down to this concert.

"They deliver urgent ambulance cars full of medical supplies and more.

Sutton Mill good cause Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid Collection Point will recieve half of the money raised at Ivan's concert. The centre on Gunco Lane is ran by a half-Ukrainian family.

"Thank you to Macclesfield Town Council and Macclesfield Mayor for their support as well.

"And of course, to the amazing people at St. Michael's Church [of Market Place].

"I like the spirit of St. Michael's Church. It is a very spiritual building. 

"I am a big fan of history, so to find out about the graves of people from hundreds of years ago buried around St. Michael's was fascinating as well. 

Ivan pictured in happier times. (Image - Ivan Hovorun)

"It is a fascinating piece of architecture. I love the stained glass and having seen videos of myself playing the last concert, it showed the most fascinating view from the third floor. 

"I loved waiting up there and watching people come in for the concert

"The church is like a body, and as people filled it up, they were the blood which made the venue feel human." 

Unlike the last concert, there may very well be some new Macclesfield residents who have fled from Ukraine who attend.

Food parcels packed to the rafters at Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid Collection point. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Since the Ukrainian crisis began, there are between 20 and 25 separate groups of refugees across Macclesfield, according to St. Michael's Church figures.

The Anglican place of worship hosts weekly support meetings for refugees and hosts, including one taking place the day after Ivan's concert.

"About half of the families have come to St. Michael's for a place where they can meet and speak Ukrainian with each other," said David Mayers of St. Michael's Church.

"They come to socialise and receive help with adjusting to life in the UK, like getting GP services, accessing benefits. They meet every Saturday morning.

Martin and David of St. Michael's Church. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"And we are delighted that Ivan is coming back he's an exciting, passionate pianist. 

"His first concert here was five years ago, but we could never have imagined the circumstances we are in now.

"He has never taken a fee, nor do any performers at Music @ Mikes.

"All musicians come out of the goodness of their heart because they want to raise money in a beautiful space."

Ivan's most recent Music @ Mike's performance was the church's best attended yet. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

On the day of the concert, the church will also be giving out a quilt knitted by a Macclesfield Russian lady associated with a sister church of St. Michael's.

The quilt, which represents national unity, will be raffled off at £5 per ticket.

St Michael's Reverend Martin Stephens is also looking forward to the concert.

"In my book, this is what the church should be about," said the Macclesfield Rector of six years.

Macclesfield Nub News journalist Alexander Greensmith (top right) conversed with Ivan after his last Macclesfield show. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We are here not for ourselves, but for others.

"The beauty of this place is first the location, and also the front of the church has a café meaning the doors can be left open and can serve the community.

"We're not asking anyone to believe anything, we just want to be a space for everyone to feel welcome."

Ivan's concert will take place on Friday June 9 at 1:15pm. Please arrive early. Cash donations are preferred.

A Ukrainian flag atop Macclesfield Town Hall, which neighbours St. Michael's and All Angels Church on Market Place. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

There will also be a separate refugee-benefitting concert at St. Michael's on Saturday June 19, without Ivan.

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