In the heart of East Sussex, the sound of Ukrainian folk songs fills the air, echoing through the streets of Lewes.
This choir, Nebo i Zemlia [Небо і Земля], meaning Heaven and Earth, is more than just a musical group. It is a symbol of healing, connection and hope for Ukrainians who fled the war. The choir was founded by Liudmyla Kulakova, a professional musician who arrived in Lewes in 2022 after the full scale invasion of Ukraine, like many of her fellow Ukrainians, Liudmyla sought refuge in the UK but she knew that as a musician, she had a unique gift to offer the power of music to heal. She founded Nebo i Zemlia as a safe space where fellow Ukrainians could come together, share their pain and express their emotions through song.
For many members of the choir, communication in Ukrainian was vital as the war tore families apart, singing in their native language became a source of emotional grounding. Choir members find solace in knowing that their voices are not only healing them, also helping those who need it most. Like many creative endeavours, despite all its efforts, this choir needs constant support to help it grow, create and share the beauty of musical culture. The performances often serve as fundraisers, channelling the power of song into a tangible effort to support those who are suffering back home in Ukraine.
The central goal of the choir is to raise funds for children’s hospitals in Ukraine