The song that unites nations and cultures
About Us :
We came from different cities in Ukraine and did not know each other before the war started. We left behind our usual lifestyle, work, friends and family. But we brought with us one thing: our love for music, our love for singing. This love was like an Ariadne thread that helped us take our first steps in a new, unfamiliar environment, to adapt to a new life.
Singing unites us, gives us strength and inspiration, through singing we can learn the language and culture of the country that welcomed us.
We want to show to Swiss people the rich musical and cultural heritage of our people who, despite all adversities, continue to live and fight.
Our vision:
We are Choeur du Cœur, and our name reflects what unites us: our love of singing, our passion for music and the sincere feelings we put into every note. Our choir is a place where everyone can find hist/her voice and give it to the world. We believe that singing is accessible to all who have the desire and the will to offer others a part of his/her soul.
Facts from our choir:
Our choir was created in spring 2023. The first rehearsals took place in the music room of the Collège du Léman thanks to the support of the commune of Renens. We also received financial support from UNHCR Switzerland.
Name: Chœur du Cœur
Location: Switzerland, Lausanne
Participants: Ukrainian refugees and Swiss residents.
Mission: Unite people through music and cultural exchange.
Our repertoire:
- Ukrainian folk songs
- Swiss folk songs
- Popular Songs in French and English
Сhoir Directors
Philippe Telfser, сhoir Director
Versatile talent in the world of music. He began his career at the age of 18 with a brass band director’s certificate, then went on to train as a choral conductor. Over the course of his career, he has directed a variety of choirs, from traditional to gospel, as well as French and international variety. Philippe also excels as a singer and arranger, composing his own arrangements and creating soundtracks to accompany his choirs. His dedication to choral music is unrivalled, having written over 120 harmonised songs for mixed choir. Philippe has been the director of our choir since February 2024.
Denys Kochenko, co-choir leader
Denys joined the Together association in the summer of 2025. He is a biology student at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, specialising in embryology, with a particular interest in reproductive biology and reproductive medicine. Since 2023, Denys has been volunteering to support Ukrainian refugees through language teaching, professional integration assistance, and medical interpreting. At Together, he contributes to the organisation of classical concerts and charity events, combining social commitment, scientific rigour, and artistic sensitivity.
Olga Ivanova, Choir President, soloist, soprano
Originally from the small town of Shostka in Ukraine, she developed a passion for musical art from childhood, which led her to a career as a singer. She graduated from the Glier Music Institute in Kyiv, and then from the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy, also in Kyiv. She is a laureate of national and international competitions and participates in various festivals. She sings in the Tchaikovsky Opera Studio and manages the contemporary art studio Mask. Olga performs as an opera singer and a pop artist.
Vladyslav Khairutdinov, рianist, аccompanist
Plays the piano since the age of 5. Laureate of international competitions. Graduated from Kharkov University of Arts. At the moment continues his studies at HEMU (Haute École de Musique) in Lausanne.
Aidan Satkhanov, рianist, аccompanist
He is a talented young pianist from Switzerland. He has won several awards at music competitions, including a first prize in a duo with Matteo Tucci at the Swiss Youth Music Competition in 2022.
Currently, Aidan is in his third year of the bachelor’s program at the Lausanne Conservatory’s School of Music, where he studies piano under the guidance of Professor Pierre Goy.
Thanks for supporting us:
