Press Releases14 Jul 22

St Patrick’s Cathedral raises funds for Irish Red Cross’ Ukraine appeal

On Good Friday, 15 April 2022, a special concert – Dona Nobis Pacem: A Concert for Ukraine – took place at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in response to the Irish Red Cross’ Ukraine Appeal. The Cathedral was motivated to make this impressive effort to aid those affected by the ongoing attacks on Ukraine and to support displaced families seeking asylum in Ireland.  ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ translates from Latin as ‘Grant us peace’.

Proceeds raised by the Cathedral through ticket sales to Irish Red Cross amounted to €15,614.43, and a cheque was written and sent to the charity. Irish Red Cross’ Donor Care Coordinator, Grace Conor, said that the Cathedral’s compassion and generosity “inspires everything we do here at Irish Red Cross, and we are so grateful for this support.”

The Cathedral choir performed Fauré’s Requiem alongside works by Maurice Duruflé and Louis Vierne. The choir was accompanied by Master of the Music, Mr Stuart Nicholson, the Organist and Assistant Master of the Music, Mr David Leigh, bass by Mr Jeffrey Ledwidge and none other than People’s Artist of Ukraine, Olga Chubareva (Lady Opera), who herself fled from her home and family in Bucha – the epicentre of the devastation.

Stuart Nicholson says: “We really wanted to do what we could help the relief by doing what we do best – perform. We were once again able to perform to a full house whilst sharing the stage with ‘Lady Opera’, which was quite an experience for all those listening as well as performing. We decided to include Fauré’s much loved Requiem in our concert for Ukraine. Not only is it one of the most recognisable pieces of choral music ever written, it is also unlike many of the larger scales settings of the Requiem Mass which tend to lean towards the dreadful days of judgments, ultimately about finding peace.”

A Book of Peace is available for all to sign in the Cathedral, and donations to the Irish Red Cross can be made either by cash or card. The Cathedral’s staff, Board and Chapter continue fundraising efforts and urge others to help make a vital difference to those most in need of crucial care.