Twenty-four years ago, Simon Roberts (b.1974, UK) photographed The Boyan Ensemble, a Ukrainian choir that toured the UK, giving concerts in towns and villages. On 2 April 2022, two members of the choir now based in Britain – internationally-acclaimed soprano Alla Kravchuk and bass Vasyl Savenko – gave a fundraising concert in Brighton. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, most men were banned from leaving the country. The rest of the choir remained in Kyiv, unable to join, and took up arms in the fight against Russian forces.
In an effort to aid the Disaster Emergency Committee, Roberts is selling five of the original photographs he made of the choir to benefit their Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. The prints have been sponsored by Spectrum Photographic, and can be purchased in a special frame, designed by Thomas Rainsford Framing to reference Ukraine’s national colours.
All proceeds from the print sales of Simon Roberts’ photographs of The Boyan Ensemble will go to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s ‘Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal.’ Please contact studio@simoncroberts.com to purchase a print.
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Of the choir, Roberts writes: “The internationally-acclaimed Boyan Ensemble is a touring male choir formed from many of the most accomplished voices from the. L. Revutsky Cappella of Ukraine whose songs of haunting beauty are deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture. They aim to popularise Ukrainian folk music and liturgical choral music, which draw on Cossack and Chumak influences. The ensemble is known for its mastery of vocal technique, with its delicately floated pianissimos, breathtaking fortes and a bass resonance that is considered unique. They have regularly toured Britain since 1992, and are desperate to do so once again.”
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Unframed prints are available for £75 + VAT each, prints framed especially for this project are available for £350 + VAT each. All proceeds from the print sales of Simon Roberts’ photographs of The Boyan Ensemble will go to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s ‘Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal.’
