A CONCERT featuring a ‘scratch’ orchestra of musicians from the Forest and South Wales raised around £4,000 to help those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Members of the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra, the Forest Flute Choir, Monmouth Concert Orchestra and Abergavenny Symphony, and others came together to perform a programme of classical and popular music at St Paul’s Church in Parkend on Sunday (March 13).

The highlight was an emotional rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and songs from their homeland by Ukrainian mother and daughter Ala and Nadia Postolatii.

Nadia and Ala Postolatii sing the Ukranian national anthem.

After singing the national anthem together, talented pianist Ala accompanied the beautiful voice of her daughter in three Ukranian songs, opening with a homage to the country’s capital Kyiv.

Each of the musicians paid £10 to play in the concert and there were donations from the audience and a very popular cake sale.

Music ranging from an arrangement of Abba songs and from the musical Oliver! to pieces by composers such as Greig.

It was performed by sight,meaning the musicians had not seen it before they performed it.

The concert was organised by conductor of the Forest Flute Choir Fiona Crawley.

She said: “It is the power of music, to bring people together.

“To have that at the end (the performance by Ala and Nadia) was so emotional and really brought home why we were doing it.”

Nadia, who lives in Gloucester with her family, said: “We appreciate the support and it was a pleasure to be here and sing in Ukrainian.”

A total of £3,100 was raised on Sunday, with more coming in and the proceeds will be donated to Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal.