Ukrainian musician finds peace playing at tiny P.E.I. church

Tetiana Kiriienko fled the war in Ukraine in 2022, and now she is finding solace and camaraderie at a historic church in a small community on P.E.I.

Kiriienko came to P.E.I. with her son via Italy, Paris and Montreal. When she was in Montreal she connected with a fellow Ukrainian who was working as a truck driver on the Island. He came to collect them, and they made the drive to P.E.I. together.

While taking English as a second language lessons at Holland College in Charlottetown, she met English teacher Beverley Fullerton Lewis, who was also an elder at St. James United Church in West Covehead. Constructed in 1837, St. James United is one of the oldest churches on the Island.

The church was losing its pianist. Margaret Power was retiring after 39 years in the position. They needed a new accompanist for the choir, and Fullerton Lewis had heard Kiriienko play at college talent shows.

"She's a very talented pianist," she said.

"I also knew that she needed community and she also needed help with the income."

Power also believed it would be a good opportunity for the newcomer to Canada.

"With the choir you get great camaraderie," she said.

Kiriienko would find something of a kindred spirit in her fellow accompanist at the church.

Kathryn Dau-Schmidt, who has received the Order of P.E.I. for her traditional fiddle playing, is also an immigrant. She grew up in the American midwest, and she understands the comfort that music can bring, particularly when it is shared.

"Many times it's what's held me together, being able to play the music," said Dau-Schmidt. "I don't have as much fun playing alone. I like playing with people."

It is a thrill to have brought Dau-Schmidt and Kiriienko together, said Fullerton-Lewis.

"It's awesome. I'm really pleased," she said. "Right from the beginning it seemed like they had always been playing together."

The church is a familiar venue for Kiriienko.