Olha Terletska, a professional singer and teaching assistant in the UK, recently wowed audiences with her choir solo during the King’s annual Christmas broadcast. Originally from war-torn Ukraine, Olha found solace in music and now sings in honor of her cousin, Bohdan Izmailov, who tragically lost his life at the age of 22 while serving in Ukraine’s Air Assault Brigade.
Olha, 30, shared that every performance is a tribute to her beloved cousin, whom she considered a brother. Bohdan’s untimely death in 2023 deeply impacted Olha, who fondly remembers their close bond growing up together in Mykolaiv. Despite the challenges of war, Bohdan’s kind-hearted nature and selflessness left a lasting impression on Olha.
Since relocating to the UK with her family under the Homes for Ukraine scheme in 2022, Olha has become an integral part of the Songs for Ukraine choir. The choir’s rendition of Carol of the Bells at Westminster Abbey, featured in the King’s Christmas broadcast, received widespread acclaim. Olha expressed her gratitude to the BBC and the royal family for their support in raising awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Joining Olha in the choir is Arina Koroletska, another talented singer who moved to the UK with her family from central Ukraine. The choir, comprised of individuals affected by the war and Ukrainian expatriates, serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Katya Kuznetsova, one of the choir’s managers, highlighted the healing power of music in providing comfort and solace to those impacted by the conflict.
The choir’s moving performance at Westminster Abbey underscored the importance of solidarity and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. By sharing their voices and stories, Olha, Arina, and their fellow choir members are not only honoring their past but also spreading hope for a brighter future.