Ukrainian refugees will showcase musical talents at Haddo House concert
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Two Ukrainian refugees that have settled in Ellon are set to perform in a concert at Haddo House.
Sofia Shokhina (20) and Jing Huang (22) are talented piano players and were studying at Lviv University until Russia invaded Ukraine.
They managed to flee the conflict and made their way across Europe to Scotland and are now living with a host family in the Aberdeenshire town.
Despite the difficulties they have faced, their musical talents have attracted the attention of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow and both are set to start studying there after the summer.
The pair have been able to practice on the Steinway grand piano at Haddo House.
They are set to feature in a concert, sponsored by the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, alongside some local musicians. It will be held in the historic venue on Sunday, June 26 at 3pm.
Sheila Robertson, who is part of the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, said: "Sofia and Jing have both been given unconditional places at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow and will start there after the summer holidays.
"The concert in the Haddo House Hall will feature the girls along with some local musicians, including the choral and operatic society.
"The proceeds from the concert will go to the girls to help them pay to further their musical education.
"Tea and coffee will be served afterwards, so the audience will have the opportunity to meet Sofia and Jing."
The other musicians that are set to perform are award-winning fiddle player George Davidson, Laura Smith on the clarinet and singer Toto Coxe.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at www.ticketsource.co.uk/hhcos
The event is sponsored by Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society; Haddo Arts; The David and June Memorial Trust; National Trust for Scotland; North East of Scotland Music School and Scotland Supporting Ukraine.
