Olha Terletska captivated audiences with a moving choir solo during the King’s annual Christmas broadcast, watched by a vast audience. Her remarkable journey from war-torn Ukraine to the UK has now come to light, where she sings in tribute to her cousin who perished in combat. Olha, a proud mother of one, is a member of Songs for Ukraine, a group that delivered a stunning performance of Carol of the Bells at Westminster Abbey.
Olha shared her heartfelt motivation, revealing that her performances are dedicated to her beloved cousin who tragically lost his life at the age of 22 while serving in Ukraine’s Air Assault Brigade. Reflecting on her cousin Bohdan Izmailov, Olha expressed how close they were, growing up together like siblings in their grandmother’s home in Mykolaiv. She emphasized Bohdan’s selfless nature, describing him as kind-hearted, shy, and always willing to help others.
Transitioning to a new life in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, with her son, brother, and mother under the Homes for Ukraine program, Olha continues to honor her cousin’s memory through her singing. The poignant performance of Carol of the Bells by the Songs for Ukraine choir, broadcasted by the BBC during the King’s Christmas address, served as a powerful reminder of ongoing conflicts. The choir, which includes members who fled the war in Ukraine, aims to provide solace and healing through their music, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share in the healing power of song.
