in 1991, mcmurrin was invited to kiev, ukraine by episcopal priest, george mccammon to conduct local musicians in a performance of georg friedrich händel's messiah. mcmurrin had initially planned to go to the caribbean and was only aware of kiev from the great gate of kiev from pictures at an exhibition. upon arrival in 1992, mcmurrin became aware that the ukrainians had not heard messiah before as it had been banned by the soviet union. mcmurrin conducted the musicians in performing two concerts in ukraine, where messiah was performed for the first time in 70 years in ukraine. during the plane ride back to the united states, mcmurrin felt that god wanted him to move to ukraine. mcmurrin moved to ukraine permanently in 1993 where he taught english and musical theory at st. andrew's preparatory school. in december mcmurrin had to return to the united states as he only had $16 left. friends gave mcmurrin money for him to return to ukraine and set up the kyiv symphony orchestra and chorus, the first private orchestra in ukraine. the orchestra later went on tours of ukraine and the united states.