Event Calendar
For UKRAINE: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope
Sunday, August 20, 2023, 3:00 pm
Concert presented by Miller Symphony Hall & The Allentown Band
Celebrating Ukraine Independence Day August 24, 2023
The benefit concert for Ukraine humanitarian relief will be a truly special and impactful event. Join us at Miller Symphony Hall with other people of all ages and backgrounds, united in their desire to support Ukraine in her time of need. The performance will be a mix of moving and energetic pieces, including Sibelius’s Finlandia, Johan de Meij’s Symphony # 4 “Symphony of Songs,” Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor, A Tribute to the Ukraine by Lawrence Kursar, Mussorgsky’s Great Gate of Kiev from “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 - 4th Movement and the Ukrainian National Anthem.
All net proceeds from this concert will go directly towards helping the people of Ukraine who are facing incredible challenges and hardships. The concert will be a timely reminder of how music can bring people together.
Ronald Demkee, Conductor
Patricia Risley, Mezzo Soprano
The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem | Kelly Rocchi, Director
Johan de Meij, Guest Conductor
PROGRAM
Finlandia Jean Sibelius
A Tone Poem depicting the resilience a people resisting the oppression of a foreign power.
Symphony # 4 “Symphony of Songs” Johan de Meij
Expressing loss and hope:
1. A Year Has Now Passed
2. When Your Dear Mother
3. Reunion
4. The Hostile Brothers
5. Early Spring
6. Song of the Harlequin
Patricia Risley, mezzo soprano and the Bel Canto Chorus
Johan de Meij, Conducting
— Intermission —
A Plea for Ukraine Ronald DeGrandis
Reflecting optimism for a reasonable conclusion as well as hope for a future with no conflict.
A Tribute to the Ukraine Lawrence Kursar
Expressing support and hope for the people of Ukraine
The Great Gate of Kiev from "Pictures at an Exhibition" Modeste Mussorgsky
Expressing the majesty of Kyiv
Symphony No. 3 - 6th Movement Gustav Mahler/Reynolds
Expressing Introspection, Reflection, Aspiration and Resilience
Symphony No. 5 - 4th Movement Ludwig van Beethoven
Expressing - Hope, Triumph, and Victory
Ukrainian National Anthem Mykhailo Verbytsky/Pavlo Chubynsky
If you would like to make an additional donation, we recommend the official website of Ukraine. Please visit https://war.ukraine.ua/support-ukraine/.