ONE of the best choirs in the world are planning to perform a special historic song on their UK tour for the first time as part of a double 20-year celebration.

The song is being performed by the Boyan Ensemble - part of the Revutsky Academic Male Choir of Kiev, in Ukraine - which has such a loyal following in this country that many British choirs cancel their own rehearsals to attend its concerts.

This unique treat for their North West fans is to mark both the choir’s 20th annual UK tour and the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union.

The special rendition of “Many Years”, a traditional song normally used in Slavonik countries only on really special occasions, is the singers’ way of saying thank you to the audiences who have helped to save their choir from extinction by supporting their UK tours for the past two decades.

“This is a rousing song wishing good health and many years of life usually sung to people who are considered important, so we thought it would be a good way of thanking the British audiences who have made this all possible through their support,” said Margarete Rolle, who has been the Boyan Ensemble’s UK representative throughout the 20 years.

“After the downfall of communism, the singers literally had to sink or swim, so it is only these annual tours which have enabled them to stay together as a professional choir.

"British supporters have been amazingly loyal, have provided the singers with free accommodation while they are here and often go to extraordinary lengths to get to concerts.”

The ensemble, which takes its name from a word meaning “travelling minstrel”, has broadcast live on Radio 3, has been featured on Classic FM and is considered to be the best male choir to take part in the prestigious Moscow Easter Festival under the direction of its legendary international conductor, Valery Gergiev.

The singers present a programme of sacred Orthodox chants in the first half of their concerts and devote the second half to Ukrainian folk songs, many of them humorous reflecting life, love and the passage of time.

Some are accompanied on traditional instruments which were banned under the old communist regime.

The Boyan Ensemble of Kiev will be at Bury Parish Church on Monday, November 7, 7.30pm, 0161 253 5111; Lancaster Priory on Tuesday, November 8, 7.30pm, 01524 65338; Kendal Town Hall, on Wednesday, November 9, 7.30pm, 01539 735891.