The concert, which featured soprano Alina Cherkasova and pianist Sasha Berezovsky, took place at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill. The event was dedicated to supporting Ukrainian children affected by the war.
This was reported by the US Ukrainian Activists (USUA) organization.
"The concert program combined classical, spiritual, and Ukrainian folk music intertwined with stories of resilience and hope. It was a powerful artistic message of support for young Ukrainians," said Nadiya Shaporynska, president of the USUA.
USUA volunteers organized the event in collaboration with St. Mark's Episcopal Church and its music director, Jeff Kempski.
World-renowned pianist Sasha Berezovsky and soprano Alina Cherkasova performed works by Giacomo Puccini, George Gershwin, Semen Hulak-Artemovsky, Eduardo di Capua, and Ukrainian folk compositions at the concert.
Representatives of the Ukrainian community attended the event, as did many Americans who expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
First Secretary Oresta Starak, representing the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, attended the concert and thanked the organizers and performers for their important work in supporting children affected by the war in Ukraine.
According to reports, more than $3,000 was raised during the concert. These funds will support art therapy and psychological counseling for children affected by trauma and loss due to the war. A significant portion of the funds came from ticket sales, donations, and the sale of souvenirs made by volunteers.
Background
USUA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization that has been supporting Ukraine, its culture, frontline medics, hospitals, children, defenders, veterans, and civilians in need since 2014. USUA also organizes cultural initiatives and events to promote Ukrainian identity and interests.
Alina Cherkasova is a Ukrainian-American soprano who has won international competitions. She is also a vocal and piano teacher. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Paris Philharmonic, the Odessa Opera, the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, and the Teatro Elfo Puccini in Milan. Her repertoire includes leading roles in Carmen, Pagliacci, Eugene Onegin, Turandot, and The Marriage of Figaro. Cherkasova has performed in over 150 charity events to support children, the elderly, and the U.S. and Ukrainian armies. She is also a volunteer and advocate for children in crisis through music and mentoring.
Pianist Sasha Berezovsky graduated from New York University and Indiana University. He has performed extensively in chamber music concerts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
Photo: USUA
Author: Inna Mikhno