Ukrainian soprano hopes to rebuild career after war trauma through competition
Pendine International Voice of the Future offers platform for classical singer seeking new life in the UK
A TALENTED Ukrainian soprano whose life was upended by the Russian invasion is hoping to revive her career at one of Wales's most prestigious cultural events this summer.
Khrystyna Makar, now living in Shotton, Flintshire, is one of 25 singers from around the globe competing for the title of Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July.
The classical singer, who fled her homeland in 2022 with her two sons, Denys, now 20, and Lukian, 15, left behind her husband, Volodimir, and parents in Lviv. Since arriving in the UK, she has lived in Ceredigion and Aberystwyth before settling in north-east Wales, where she continues to pursue her musical passion despite the upheaval.
Before the war, Khrystyna enjoyed a flourishing career performing across Ukraine and at leading venues in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia. She hopes the exposure from competing in Llangollen will open new doors in the UK music scene.
'Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong,' she said. 'We are a friendly people and we're very grateful for the support we have had from people in Wales and England.'
Khrystyna recently returned from a visit home to Ukraine, which coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on an apartment block in Kyiv that killed twelve and injured more than eighty.
'It's difficult, but people still try to keep going,' she said. 'We were able to celebrate Easter together – we don't lose our traditions even in these times. Everywhere is dangerous, even in the west, but people are trying to rebuild their lives.'
This year's Pendine Voice of the Future competition features singers from the USA, China, South Africa, England and Wales. The winner will receive the Pendine Trophy, presented by Welsh opera legend Sir Bryn Terfel, and a cheque for £3,000, with £1,000 awarded to the runner-up.
Now in its twelfth year, the competition is sponsored by Pendine Park via its charitable arm, the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). For Pendine founders Mario Kreft MBE and his wife Gill, who conceived the idea in 2013, the 2025 contest carries extra significance as the organisation marks its 40th anniversary.
Mario Kreft said: 'The standard of the competitors in years past has been phenomenal, and I have no doubt it will be just as high again this year. The added opportunity to appear on the same stage as Sir Bryn Terfel is a dream come true for many of these young performers.'
The final of the competition will take place on Sunday, July 13, during the Eisteddfod's grand closing concert, which will also feature Sir Bryn performing songs from his new album, Sea Songs, alongside The Fisherman's Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.
Artistic director Dave Danford described the competition as 'one of the most important' in the Eisteddfod calendar: 'For the audience, it's the chance to see a future star; for the competitors, it's the experience of a lifetime.'
Two former winners with Pembrokeshire links will also return to the festival this year. Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, winner in 2017, and Shimona Rose, winner in 2024, will appear as featured soloists at a special Karl Jenkins concert on July 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Sir Bryn Terfel said: 'The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a brilliant opportunity for emerging vocal talent. It offers a platform that could help launch careers on the global stage.'
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