Eastman School of Music, of the University of Rochester, is pleased to announce a special performance in the Eastman Presents concert series: Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine (Lviv). Presented in collaboration with RocMaidan and the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union (UFCU), the orchestra will perform in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, January 31, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Led by the dynamic Ukrainian American conductor, Maestro Theodore Kuchar, Lviv, based in the medieval city of Lviv, Ukraine, will feature Eastman School of Music’s Professor of Violin, Oleh Krysa as its soloist. The program includes Krysa in Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Brahms’ Tragic Overture, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. In addition to the incredible performances, RocMaidan and Ukrainian FCU are spearheading humanitarian relief efforts for the war-torn citizens of Ukraine.
Shares RocMaidan volunteer Tim Sukhenko, “We appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with the Eastman School of Music to raise awareness of the horrific tragedy unfolding daily in Ukraine. The devastation we are all witness to has been made worse with the arrival of a bitterly cold winter. They need our help now more than ever.”
Ukrainian FCU’s two area branches have served as collection sites for humanitarian and medical aid since the beginning of the full-scale war. Oleg Lebedko, CEO of Ukrainian FCU adds, “In the spirit of the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ Ukrainian FCU is both touched and thrilled to collaborate with the Eastman School of Music, ROCMaidan, and the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra to help Ukraine in this great time of need. We believe that efforts such as this one are critical to not only raising necessary funds but also to continue to spread awareness about the war in Ukraine. We’re grateful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of the Rochester area community, and we hope and pray for victory and an end to the war as soon as possible.”
Lviv’s history began in 1902 and has had many famous composers as guest conductors (Wagner, Ravel, etc) throughout its time. The Orchestra is known for its message of hope during its country’s time of war and instability and the ensemble’s resilience stands as a testament to its determination and the timelessness of the great works it performs with vitality, distinction, and artistry. The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine has toured extensively around the world, to countries including Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and The People’s Republic of China. During the past several seasons they have completed highly acclaimed recordings for major international labels including Naxos, Toccata Classics, and Brilliant Classics.
“I am looking forward to the concert with immense excitement and personal nostalgia,” shares Maestro Theodore Kuchar. From my grandfather’s arrival in the USA from Ukraine to study at Eastman and very shortly after, in 1931, winning the Howard Hanson Prize in Composition, established a family legacy which will soon date a century. Subsequently, a number of my closest friends and professional colleagues have served as distinguished faculty members of Eastman and I am delighted to finally enter and perform at this most distinguished institution.”
Tickets are available at EastmanTheatre.org or by calling 585-274-3000. The Eastman Presents full digital and interactive 2022-23 season brochure can be found online.
Media only: Jessica Kaufman, Eastman School of Music; Director of Communications
(585) 278-4743; jkaufman@esm.rochester.edu
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About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.
More than 900 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division of the Eastman School of Music—about 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 23 percent are from other countries. They are taught by a faculty comprised of more than 130 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy winners, Emmy winners, Guggenheim fellows, ASCAP Award recipients, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians who have performed in the world’s greatest concert halls. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members, and guest artists present more than 900 concerts to the Rochester community. Additionally, more than 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.
About RocMaidan:
RocMaidan is a 100% volunteer-based group that functions under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester, a 503(c) organization. RocMaidan was established in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of war in Eastern Ukraine. Our mission is to provide humanitarian aid and medical supplies to people affected by the war in Ukraine through the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, RocMaidan has shipped 288,000 pounds of medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, has helped Ukrainians replace 25 emergency field vehicles, and sent thousands of medical tactical first aid kits and medical equipment to help save the lives of Ukrainians who are suffering from continuous bombings. The group has strong partnerships with a variety of volunteer organizations, including InterVol, Revived Soldiers Ukraine, Guardians of Hope, and many others.
About the Ukrainian FCU (UFCU):
The UFCU was founded in 1953 by Ukrainian Americans in Rochester, New York, and provides service in English and Ukrainian languages to meet the needs of over 25,000 members from coast to coast. The credit union with assets exceeding $350 million has 13 full-service branch offices nationwide. Branches are located in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina, California, Oregon and Washington. Coming soon to South Carolina and Florida! Members of over 70 common bond organizations may join the credit union. You don’t have to be Ukrainian to join! For more information visit www.ukrainianfcu.org.
About the University of Rochester:
The University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading private research universities, one of only 62-member institutions in the Association of American Universities. Located in Rochester, NY, the University gives undergraduates exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.