Aisling Lyons (Clare, Ire.) & Kseniia Rusnak (Ukraine) met in April 2021 through their mutual love of music, specifically the harps of their native countries.

This project explores the similarities between Irish and Ukrainian cultures. One of the main concepts surrounding this project is the statement by Queen Elizabeth ‘hang the harpers wherever found’. This statement has become a foundation block for many beliefs on how Irish culture was viewed during the 1600s. ‘Kobzar’ and Bandurists in Ukraine were also in danger of being wiped out completely.

In 1932, under the leadership of Stalin, Kobzar and Bandurists were invited to a congress in Kharkiv and were all put to death. This event is known as the liquidation of the kobzars of Ukraine. This project looks at the strong musical and historical similarities between Irish and Ukrainian cultures. Both Ukrainian culture and Irish culture have been exposed to hardship and possible extinction in the past.

This project will include new compositions played on both instruments and will be recorded in the Burren portraying the ‘togetherness’ of our cultures now in 2023.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.