MEMBERS of one of the best choirs in the world are planning to perform a special historic song in Tavistock for the first time, as part of a double 20-year celebration this month.

The song is being performed by the Boyan Ensemble — part of the Revutsky Academic Male Choir of Kiev, in Ukraine — which has such a loyal following in this country that many British choirs cancel their own rehearsals to attend its concerts.

This unique treat for their local fans is to mark both the choir's 20th annual UK tour and the 20th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union.

It is taking place at St Eustachius Church, Tavistock, on Wednesday, November 16.

The special rendition of 'Many Years', a traditional song normally used in Slavonic countries only on really special occasions, is the singers' way of saying thank you to the audiences who have helped to save their choir from extinction by supporting their UK tours for the past two decades.

Margarete Rolle, who has been the Boyan Ensemble's UK representative throughout the 20 years, said: 'This is a rousing song wishing good health and many years of life usually sung to people who are considered important, so we thought it would be a good way of thanking the British audiences who have made this all possible through their support.

'After the downfall of communism, the singers literally had to sink or swim, so it is only these annual tours which have enabled them to stay together as a professional choir.

'British supporters have been amazingly loyal, have provided the singers with free accommodation while they are here and often go to extraordinary lengths to get to concerts.'

The Ensemble, which takes its name from a word meaning 'travelling minstrel', has broadcast live on Radio 3, has been featured on Classic FM and is considered to be the best male choir to take part in the prestigious Moscow Easter Festival under the direction of its legendary international conductor, Valery Gergiev.

 The singers present a programme of sacred Orthodox chants in the first half of their concerts and devote the second half to Ukrainian folk songs, many of them humorous reflecting life, love and the passage of time.

Some are accompanied on traditional instruments which were banned under the old communist regime.

'One of our supporters recently described the performances as "brilliant: cassocks in the first half and Cossacks in the second", and that pretty much sums it up," said Margarete, who has been awarded the Medal of St. George by the Ukrainian government for her contribution to promoting the nation's culture in Great Britain.

'Their singing is utterly glorious with intense harmonies and astonishingly low notes.

'Ukraine is renowned for the unusual quality of its low basses and many British audiences are literally moved to tears by the thrilling sound.

'Their impact has been so huge because people in Britain had not heard this authentic music before they first started their tours and, having once heard them, so many people wanted them to come back again.'

The concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available through Tavistock TIC on 01822 612938 or email [email protected]">[email protected]