THE glorious voices of the Boyan Ensemble of Kiev will grace the concert halls and churches of the UK once again as the distinguished ensemble returns to British shores for its 23rd tour.

The singers are drawn from Ukraine’s top professional male choir, the Revutsky Academic Male Capella, and organisers are delighted that the tour can go ahead with Kirkby Lonsdale again pencilled into their busy schedule.

The choir play St Mary’s Church, on Saturday, October 10 (7.30pm).

Apparently, members of Boyan have narrowly missed being conscripted into the Ukrainian army amid the turmoil of an ongoing civil war in their country.

According to Boyan's UK representative Margarete Rolle, the punishing austerity measures in the Ukraine are a huge burden as the singers struggled to provide for their families. She added: "The UK tour brings hope of an opportunity to earn some real money at a time when the value of their local currency has plummeted to an all-time low.

"These difficulties do not diminish what this amazing choir brings to the UK, and the singers greatly look forward to impressing their audiences old and new with a spectacular display of vocal art."

The first part of Boyan's concert programme features one the magnificent sacred chants of the Eastern Orthodox tradition sung a capella. In contrast, a striking change of mood in part two vividly demonstrates the exuberant and diverse

folk culture of Ukraine, where some of the songs are accompanied on the Bandura, Lira and, for the very first time, a saxophone will feature in special arrangements for the ensemble by soloist, 'honoured artist of Ukraine,' Igor Rudyi.

Many of the works highlight the awesome basses for which Boyan is renowned and outstanding soprano soloist, Viktoria Zabolotska, adds something extra special. Other distinguished soloists feature throughout the Boyan's memorable programme.

Tickets are available from the Visitor Information Shop, 24 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale on 015242-71437 and Finestra Gallery, 12 Main Street.

For further information email cathywynne@fastmail.fm.