“Personally, I believe that during this war there exist women confronting its harsh realities. The true war these women face unfolds in the act of emigration – a struggle they must deal with on their own.”
“Let’s hold on, let’s not give up, be strong.”
– Recorded extracts from “A Woman’s War” by Kornélia Nemcová and artist Natália Štojková.
Every day, Russia’s unrelenting assaults continue to devastate civilian lives and critical infrastructure, leaving destruction and displacement in their wake. Four years into the war, humanitarian support remains critical.
Charitable foundation The Friends of Oleksandriya presents a concert at Bath Abbey to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and raise funds for the Ukrainian city of Oleksandriya. The programme includes an original String Nonet by acclaimed Ukrainian composer Illia Bondarenko and audiovisual work “A Woman’s War” by composer Kornélia Nemcová and artist Natália Štojková.
“A Woman’s War” tells the stories of women who had to flee Ukraine after the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. The effects of war are rarely communicated from female perspectives, and the impact on people outside of the front line is often overlooked. Kornélia and Natália conducted 12 detailed interviews with Ukrainian women, aged 19 to over 60. This production holds particular significance in revitalising the discussion around the Russo-Ukrainian War, that started in 2014, emphasising its urgency and contemporary relevance. Artistically, “A Woman’s War” takes inspiration from many traditions – including Ukrainian folk and choral music – and combines it with immersive sound design. The performance production premiered at Blackheath Halls in 2024 and has since been developed into a film, screening in festivals worldwide and publicly premiering at Bath’s Widcombe Social Club.
Join us to discover Bondarenko’s beautiful instrumental composition and a new version of “A Woman’s War”, uniting with vocal trio The Ruffians, Bath’s Argyle String Orchestra, and a host of volunteer vocalists in the stunning setting of Bath Abbey, the latter will mainly consist of the members of Courage Choir let by their dedicated conductor and manager Felicity Courage.
During the event, a fantastic canvas print of Banksy’s graffiti art in destroyed Borodianka will be auctioned. Purchased by one of our dedicated volunteers for this purpose, it was printed in Finland and has travelled widely around Europe before reaching Bath. There are only 10 copies printed, and you can become the lucky owner of one!
