One of the finest male choirs in the world, straight from war-torn Ukraine, will be giving unmissable concerts in Truro and Penzance next month, with the surprise addition of a new star soloist.

Members of the Boyan Ensemble from Ukraine’s top professional male choir, the Revutsky Academic Male Capella will be performing at Church of Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran on September 29 and St Mary’s Church, Penzance, September 30th. Both performances will be at 7.30pm.

The Boyan Ensemble have built a huge following in the Duchy and beyond with their regular autumn visits. But now, with their country hit by a tragic civil war and an economic crisis that makes Greece look wealthy, the singers and their families are struggling to survive.

Even the musicians’ very lives can come under threat – the danger of forced conscription into the Ukrainian army is an everyday one while the civil war between westward-looking and Russian-leaning parts of the country tears society and families apart.

This year the choir will be joined by star soprano soloist Victoria Zabolotska, making her first UK tour with the Boyan.

Victoria, who performs worldwide, will sing in both the sacred and colourful folk sections of the concert. Among the other “extras” will be the unique sounds of a bandura and a lira, two Ukrainian folk instruments. The bandura is rather like a lute, while the lira is a Ukrainian version of the hurdy-gurdy.

For more information on tickets for Truro's performance call the Hall for Cornwall on 01872-262466, or visit hallforcornwall.co.uk. For Penzance's show call Morrab Studio on 01736-362191 or visit morrabstudio.co.uk.