Ukrainian opera star sings at St Patrick’s Cathedral 

Ukraine’s very own ‘Lady Opera’ took to the altar to give a powerful vocal performance for Dublin residents

A concert in support of Ukraine was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Good Friday.  

The concert, a fundraiser in response to the Irish Red Cross’ Ukraine appeal featured performances from Ukranian soprano Olga Chubareva and the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir.  

The concert, consisting of some of the most loved choral works of all time, included nearly two hours of organ-backed soprano.  

Chubareva, known in her homeland as ‘Lady Opera’, recently fled Ukraine and is now staying with family in Ireland.  

Chubareva performed several pieces alongside the church choir including a Prayer for Ukraine, Myroslav Skoryk’s Melody and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem Pie Jesu. 

Prior to her performance, Chubareva took to the alter to give a speech about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

She thanked the Irish people for their support of Ukraine, describing the conflict not as a war, but a “genocide” against the Ukrainian people.  

She further criticised Russia, saying the aggression was “denying Ukrainian’s the right to life”.

She listed off many of the Ukrainian cities attacked by Russian forces, including Bucha, where her son and home remain..  

Named a ‘People’s Artist of Ukraine’, Chubareva is also a professor at the Institute of Arts of the National Pedagogical University, as well as a doctor of philosophy.  

The Dean St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dr William Morton, also spoke before the concert introducing Chubareva and saying it was incredibly important to have a night dedicated “to those whose need is greatest.”   

Tickets for the concert sold out completely prior to Good Friday, and the queue to enter the concert stretching all the way down St Patrick’s Close. 

One concert-goer, Christine Devaney, said the performances were “stunning,” and said it was her first time in the cathedral.  

“I’ve never had a look in the building before but seeing it now and with those performances, I’m definitely going to come back,” she said.  

“Sure, I like choir music, that there was a big draw, but I came particularly because it’s in support of Ukraine,” she added.