Ukrainian opera singer helps launch Refugee Festival Scotland

A Ukrainian opera singer is among the performers launching Refugee Festival Scotland – a unique celebration of refugee arts and culture coming to towns and cities across the country.

Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 15 June 2022 13:31

Image: left to right - Khaled Qasem, Abdourahmane Mbengue, Oksana Mavrodii, Fatou Gitteh and Shawki AlDubiee - credit Paul Chappells

In a year that’s seen a record 100 million people forced from their homes by conflict, the festival brings people from different backgrounds together and highlights the many ways refugees contribute to life in Scotland.

More than 100 events will take place across Scotland from 17-26 June as part of Refugee Festival Scotland. The diverse programme includes contributions from artists and performers who came to Scotland seeking refugee protection and the communities that have welcomed them.

Oksana Mavrodii, a soprano singer and Deputy Conductor of the Glasgow Male Philharmonic Choir, has organised fundraising concerts to support people affected by the war in her native Ukraine. She is working with Scottish Refugee Council and communities in Scotland to help welcome refugees fleeing the conflict.

She said: “When I heard about Refugee Festival Scotland, I wanted to get involved. During the hard times, it’s important to stand up and use your voice. Being a musician, music is the best way for me to do that and the festival is a really great platform.

“Being a refugee or asylum seeker can be perceived negatively but we should not treat refugees as a burden. Just because someone is a refugee, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have skills to bring. People are often highly skilled and highly educated and they could make a really valuable contribution to society.”

“I’ve worked with a lot of children who have come to Scotland as refugees from Syria and other places. Now many Ukrainians have become part of the refugee community. My mum is here with me but my dad and all the rest of my family are still in Ukraine. It’s surreal. I don’t think anyone expects to find themselves in that situation. The response from people in Scotland has been amazing though. You don’t need to ask twice. It’s been positively overwhelming.”

Oksana will be performing at a special Refugee Festival Scotland event alongside concert pianist Iryna Melnychenko, who recently arrived in Glasgow from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The pair will be joined by T2 actor, Thierry Mabonga.

Thierry said: “I’m really happy that Refugee Festival Scotland exists. It’s very important that there’s a space for people to share stories that might not otherwise get told. I really believe in the power of storytelling. There’s more to a human being than trauma. We need to see the joys as well as the grief and the conflicts and the challenges of someone’s situation. I think that’s what keeps us alive. We long for stories that make us laugh and smile as well as make us cry.”

Thierry came to Scotland when he was just eight years old after fleeing the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo with his family.

He added: “I arrived not speaking a word of English, so I can understand the struggles of having to move country and start again. You’re not in control of where you come from but you are in control of how you respond to that. Being part of two cultures can be complex but it’s made me into the person I am today.”

Refugee Festival Scotland has something for everyone, from music and dance, history trails and nature walks to art exhibitions, cookery demonstrations, football tournaments and family-friendly picnics. The line-up brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together to meet, mix and get to know each other better.

Scottish Refugee Council Chief Executive, Sabir Zazai said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is an opportunity to celebrate the positive difference that refugees make to our communities. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to celebrate diversity and share the stories of people who have made Scotland their home.

“This has been a year of terrible stories. War in Ukraine, unrest in Afghanistan, families stranded and separated by bureaucracy, Rwandan detention centres and people left with no option but to risk their lives on dangerous journeys in a desperate bid to reach a place of safety. But there are other, happier stories, and these are the ones that Refugee Festival Scotland aims to tell. Stories of friendship, resilience, hope and new beginnings. So please join us for this exciting programme of events, make new friends, have fun, and show the world that Scotland welcomes refugees.”

The festival celebrates the many ways refugees contribute to Scotland’s cultural life by showcasing the food and drink, music and dance, language and art that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.

Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Details of the 2022 festival programme are now online at refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn

Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters

Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street

A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Calling all Gingers!

The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical

Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio

Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition

One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands

One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!

Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city

An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.

Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.

Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!

Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative

Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!