Eastman Presents: Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine: In Collaboration with RocMaidan and the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union

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.