09-05-2025
Ukrainian soprano competes at Llangollen Eisteddfod
Soprano Khrystyna Makar is among 25 competitors in the Pendine International Voice of the Future contest at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod this July.
Her life took a dramatic turn in 2022 when she and her sons, Denys and Lukian, had to leave their home city, Lviv, due to the war.
They left behind her husband, Volodimir and her parents.
Now settled in Shotton, Flintshire, Khrystyna is competing against singers from countries including the USA, China and South Africa, as well as England and Wales.
Before the 2022 invasion, Khrystyna was a successful classical singer, performing across Ukraine and Europe.
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War-displaced singer hopes Pendine contest reignites classical career (Image: Supplied) Since arriving in the UK, she has lived in Llangrannog and Aberystwyth before finally settling in Shotton.
She has found it challenging to maintain her musical career and hopes the Llangollen competition will provide a much-needed boost.
Khrystyna continues to make trips home to Lviv to see her husband and family, but her recent visit coincided with a deadly Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment block.
Twelve people were killed and more than 80 injured in the attack.
Khrystyna said: "It's difficult but people still try to keep going.
"Being separated from your family is difficult but you have to be strong."
The competition is sponsored by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust and the winner will receive a £3,000 cheque and the Pendine Trophy, presented by opera star Sir Bryn Terfel.
They will also perform at the Eisteddfod's final concert on Sunday, July 13, alongside Sir Bryn.
Pendine Park proprietor, Mario Kreft MBE, said: "The standard of the competitors in years past has been absolutely phenomenal and I have no doubt it will be just as incredibly high again this year."
Llangollen Eisteddfod's artistic director, Dave Danford, said: "This is one of the most important competitions of the Eisteddfod and people come here because they could be watching someone who will become a household name."
Sir Bryn Terfel added: "The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a wonderful opportunity for talented young singers to make a mark."
