Mariia Balieva and Yarynka Chepiha

Yarynka Chepiha and Mariia Balieieva are musicians from Ukraine who arrived in Canada in the spring of 2022.

They lived for 18 days in a bomb shelter, and the road here to Canada was very long for them. They had to leave their lives, city, everything they loved so much, to escape the war and start a new life. Before being forced to flee their homes as a result of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine, they both played in the pop symphony orchestra “Lords of the Sound” which has performed soundtracks for many movies such as Harry Potter, Pirates of the Carribean, Avatar, Interstellar. Today they will share what they feel: the pain of their hearts, love for their country and their families, and friends. They are very grateful for the incredible hospitality in Canada and to the very friendly and kind people who live here, who gave them a peaceful sky and made them feel alive and happy again.

Their group was born here in Canada. It combines the traditions of Ukrainian culture with modern means of expression.