THE Ukraine Benefit Concert in Taunton has raised over £7000 for the British Red Cross appeal.
The event, also joined by Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Iryna Ilnytska, took place at Taunton Minster and a total of £7324,50 was raised for the cause.
Guy Robinson, a popular baritone who helped to organise the April 30 concert with his wife, soprano Elizabeth Watts, expressed his sincere thanks to all of those who contributed in so many different ways and to all of those who warmly supported the concert both in-person and online via the JustGiving webpage.
Mr Robinson said: "The night was an emotional one, with everyone coming together in support of the same goal. When people stood to applaud Ukrainian mezzo-soprano, Iryna Ilnytska, that memory will stay with me for a long, long time."
Elizabeth is an internationally renowned soprano also joined the wonderful evening of songs in the magnificent newly designated Taunton Minster.
The Red Cross was represented by one of their Somerset Patrons, Dame Claire Bertschinger, 'the nurse who inspired Live Aid'.
Dame Claire previously said: "What is happening in Ukraine now sends shock waves through us all. Just as did my testimony to the suffering in Ethiopia all those years ago."
Dame Bertschinger, who also gave a short address on the night of the concert and is Somerset’s patron of the British Red Cross, kindly donated 40 copies of her biography, Moving Mountains, which were sold for a minimum donation of £10.
Below are more photos from the event (Craig Stone Photography).
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