‘Bright Star’ serves as an emotive reminder of the struggles in Ukraine.
Composer and harpist Emer Kenny has released a tender and tragic single about the experience of Ukrainian women who have fled the war and are now settled in Dundalk Ireland, where Kenny was musician in residence at the Táin Theatre.
The song, which was developed while Kenny was resident in the Táin Theatre in 2023, brings the stories of Ukrainian women to the fore.
In the haunting single’s compelling music video, three women who shared their story with Kenny, Iryna, Yara and Maryna, feature as audience members in the video.
The video for Bright Star features contemporary dancer Polina from Donetsk and also harpist Rosie Murphy – Emer’s daughter, performing in An Táin Theatre.
‘Bright Star’ was recorded with producer and engineer John Murphy, capturing Emer’s distinctive harp playing and emotional vocal performance.
The video also includes frontline footage from Ukraine, filmed by the video director, Finn Boylan who is a documentary film maker in areas of conflict globally.
The footage taken from Ukraine stands in sharp contrast with the ethereal dance and harp performance and serves as a chilling reminder of the brutality of the conflict.
Watch the music video for ‘Bright Star’ below: