The full capacity Priory audience acclaimed the inestimable Boyan Ensemble of Kiev, as the magnificent voices reverberated once again in Malvern.

First, music enriched with wonderful harmonies of the Eastern Orthodox Church was heard. An old Bulgarian chant, Troparion of Holy Christmas, was given a characteristic long held bass pedal note and My beloved Jesus was sung in roundelay fashion. In the latter, as gorgeous close harmony was hummed, subtle modulations were achieved finely, and dynamics ebbed and flowed.

Valentina Ivanenko (soprano) soared high in crystal clear tones, above a concordant choir in Troparion to the Virgin Mary, and Igor Ishchak, that extraordinary and beautiful male soprano sang, operatically in Dispel my sorrow, his voice making a vivid contrast when heard in duo with sonorous low basses.

Roman Moroz (baritone) sang with unquestionable conviction, on a monotone throughout, for Credo. A powerful declaration emphasised further as harmony sung by the ensemble rose in volume and pitch, to close in significant endorsement on a forte major chord.

Continuing in more relaxed mood, Ukrainian folk songs reflected customary habits. The haymakers come out into the fields was robust, and imparted with a smile on the singers' faces. However baritone Roman, who wanted to 'fly to the end of the earth', but decided by the end of the song 'I shall not go to America', was emotive and very expressive.

By the time My pretty neighbour-girl was being sung, the ensemble was having a really good time. Traditional instruments were played with gusto, audience was clapping, and a standing ovation was offered. An evening of amazing accomplishment and masterful musicianship had been witnessed, as delivered by the Boyan Ensemble, under their conductors Yurit and Volodymyr Kuratch.

Jill Hopkins