CONCERT OF WARMTH AND LIGHT FOR OLEKSANDRIYA
24TH FEBURARY 2023
On February 24, 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves far beyond its borders. In response, individuals and communities came together to offer support in practical and creative ways. One of those people was Zhenya Shkil, who helped build a charity network to provide direct aid to Ukraine.
A year later, on February 24, 2023, a fundraising concert marked the anniversary of the invasion. The event brought together musicians, choirs, and supporters with a shared purpose: to raise funds for generators for Oleksandriya. At the centre of the evening was singer Nicole Medin, joined by the children’s choir Voices for Life, Canzona, and the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir. Together, the performances reflected solidarity, remembrance, and collective strength.
The funds raised were intended to support hospitals, schools, and homes by providing reliable power where it was urgently needed.
A year later, on February 24, 2023, a fundraising concert marked the anniversary of the invasion. The event brought together musicians, choirs, and supporters with a shared purpose: to raise funds for generators for Oleksandriya. At the centre of the evening was singer Nicole Medin, joined by the children’s choir Voices for Life, Canzona, and the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir. Together, the performances reflected solidarity, remembrance, and collective strength.
The funds raised were intended to support hospitals, schools, and homes by providing reliable power where it was urgently needed.
I first met Nicole at a Ukrainian Christmas event, where she showed interest in my photography project, later renamed Persistence: Road of Life. After meeting again and photographing her for the project, I learned more about her involvement in fundraising and charity work for Ukraine.
When Nicole mentioned the upcoming concert she was organising with Zhenya, she asked if I would photograph the event. I accepted immediately. From that moment, preparation became key. I planned my movement through the venue, identified priority moments, and worked out how to capture both the performers and the audience without disrupting the performance.
I wanted the photographs to reflect more than the stage — to show connection, emotion, and the shared purpose that brought everyone together
When Nicole mentioned the upcoming concert she was organising with Zhenya, she asked if I would photograph the event. I accepted immediately. From that moment, preparation became key. I planned my movement through the venue, identified priority moments, and worked out how to capture both the performers and the audience without disrupting the performance.
I wanted the photographs to reflect more than the stage — to show connection, emotion, and the shared purpose that brought everyone together
On the day of the concert, I worked with two cameras: a Nikon D810 with a 24–70mm lens and a Nikon D780 with a 70–200mm lens. I was also asked to record much of the performance, which meant planning multiple camera positions. Due to the large audience and limited space, I had to adapt quickly and adjust my setup.
The opening moments were fast-paced. I captured key images early on, including the audience viewed through the pillars, Nicole on stage in her military-style costume, and her movement down the aisle carrying the Ukrainian flag. Throughout the evening, I photographed each performance, costume change, and choir, working from the aisle and side areas that remained accessible.
The challenge was constant — switching equipment, adjusting to lighting, and reacting in real time — but it allowed me to stay fully present in the moment.
The opening moments were fast-paced. I captured key images early on, including the audience viewed through the pillars, Nicole on stage in her military-style costume, and her movement down the aisle carrying the Ukrainian flag. Throughout the evening, I photographed each performance, costume change, and choir, working from the aisle and side areas that remained accessible.
The challenge was constant — switching equipment, adjusting to lighting, and reacting in real time — but it allowed me to stay fully present in the moment.
By the end of the concert, all requested images had been captured, along with many unplanned moments that reflected the atmosphere of the evening. The event concluded with a shared sense of achievement among performers, organisers, and supporters.
I’m grateful to everyone involved, including Nicole Medin, Zhenya Shkil, Voices for Life, Canzona, the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir, and the wider team behind the scenes. This was one of the largest and most demanding events I’ve photographed, requiring adaptability in low light and restricted spaces.
The concert raised £17,000, with an additional £19,100 donated through GoFundMe. For me, the experience marked a significant step forward — not only professionally, but personally — reinforcing the power of photography to document moments that matter.
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I’m grateful to everyone involved, including Nicole Medin, Zhenya Shkil, Voices for Life, Canzona, the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir, and the wider team behind the scenes. This was one of the largest and most demanding events I’ve photographed, requiring adaptability in low light and restricted spaces.
The concert raised £17,000, with an additional £19,100 donated through GoFundMe. For me, the experience marked a significant step forward — not only professionally, but personally — reinforcing the power of photography to document moments that matter.
