The profound statement "War is Hell” served as one of the catalysts of the Calgary Civic Symphony’s 2023-24 season opener concert: war, wherever it may occur, touches us all.
Entitled Concert for Humanity, this remarkable program aims to illuminate the toll of war on human souls, while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. By combining the strengths and talents of renowned Canadian and Ukrainian artists, the afternoon promises a profound musical journey that transcends borders and will resonate with all who have been affected by the societal upheavals of our time.
The programme includes three works by Ukrainian composers: Pashkevych's Across the Steppe, which captures the raw emotions and vivid landscapes of the Ukrainian heartland, Hnatyshyn's Holy Mary, Mother of God, evoking spiritual solace amidst life's trials, and Havrilets’ hauntingly beautiful Prayer to the Blessed Virgin. The concert will also feature Canadian composer John Estacio's Victims of Us All, a poignant and powerful exploration of how oppression anywhere affects us everywhere.
The Calgary Civic Symphony will conclude the afternoon with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and its iconic and celebrated Ode to Joy, featuring the combined massed choral forces of the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton, Mount Royal Kantorei, Spiritus Chamber Choir, and EnChor Chamber Choir. Showcasing the remarkable talents of an all-star quartet of soloists, Anna Pompeeva (soprano), Stephania Romaniuk (mezzo-soprano), Benjamin Butterfield (tenor), and Phillip Addis (baritone), this monumental work with its “Ode to Joy” will serve as a powerful ode to hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of humanity.
“I, like many of us, have been horrified by the news and images coming to us from Ukraine for the last 20 months. War is indeed hell,” says the Calgary Civic Symphony’s Artistic Director & Conductor, Rolf Bertsch. “This concert is intended to bring together great music and musicians in a powerful display of solidarity and community. I hope and trust that it will leave an indelible mark on your hearts and minds, and remind us all of our common humanity and the power of unity and hope.”
In presenting Concert for Humanity, the Calgary Civic Symphony stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian Canadian community and offers a platform to call attention to Ukraine's ongoing urgent humanitarian needs. To help Ukraine directly, patrons are encouraged to donate to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), a well established Canadian charity with 28 years’ experience in Ukraine. Donations can be submitted online via www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/93275 or directly at the concert with representatives from CUF.
Concert for Humanity will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (225 – 8 Avenue SE, Calgary)
Established in 1975, the Calgary Civic Symphony has enriched Calgary with live orchestral music for over four decades. Initially created as a platform for non-professional or retired musicians, the Civic Symphony has since expanded in size and elevated its artistic prowess. The Civic Symphony offers five diverse concerts each season, and collaborates with some of Canada’s premier soloists and musical groups, ensuring that every performance is distinct and memorable.
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