Furman had attended university in Kiyv, studying music, and worked in Ukraine as her church’s choir director and taught adults and children at a music academy for three years.

When Furman and her children arrived in Warren two months ago, the strong community helping refugees got to work assisting them in adapting to their new community.

“They had to leave everything they knew behind. The community here, which helped her tap into resources, has been a big blessing for us,” said Joseph Glarner, music director and owner of the Warren Music Conservatory. “We are very excited to have someone as talented as Olena. She is an incredibly talented musician.”

Both Glarner and Dr. Dale Haight, Music Conservatory dean of faculty, have backgrounds in ministry, so to them, helping Furman feels like an extension of that ministry, knowing that she is also bringing a great gift to Warren County.

Pictured is Olena Furman giving her first lesson to student Clarabella Glarner as Joe Glarner watches.

Glarner said that Furman will also perform at private and small events, which will be announced later.

Furman expressed her gratitude for being able to return to music and teaching, saying, “It is good to have the normalcy of music in an unfamiliar place.”

When asked what she looks forward to teaching in the community, she said, “When I was in Ukraine, my students could not have a concert. I want to do a concert with my students here.”