A benefit concert of Ukrainian music was held in Arlington, Virginia, to support children affected by the war in Ukraine. The event brought together musicians, volunteers, representatives of the Ukrainian community, and friends of Ukraine around a common goal – to help Ukrainian children through the humanitarian program “Ukraine’s Children Aid” of the US Ukrainian Activists (USUA).
The event is organized by the US Ukrainian Activists and USUA President Nadia Shaporynska.
The concert was held at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church in Arlington and was an evening of solidarity, music, and support for Ukraine.
The program featured musicians from the Musicians for Ukraine association – Alejandro Villareal, Anna Balakerskaia, Dasha Gabay, Kathleen Jacobi, Luke Wedge, Masha Feygelson, Michael Romans, Sasha Beresovsky, and Will Hurd.
Throughout the evening, the artists performed works by Ukrainian composers Fedor Yakimenko, Zhanna Kolodub, Myroslav Skoryk, Igor Sonevytsky, Iryna Shvaydak, Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, Alemdar Karamanov, and Mykola Lysenko.
The organizers noted that the concert was not only an artistic event, but also a symbol of support for Ukrainian culture and the indomitability of the Ukrainian people.
"At a time when Ukraine continues to endure the hardships of war, music remains a powerful expression of resilience, identity, and hope. Through this concert, we celebrated Ukraine’s rich musical heritage while helping bring meaningful support, compassion, and hope to Ukrainian children.” - said USUA President Nadia Shaporynska.
A special event of the evening was the presence of Ukrainian veteran Oleksandr Vigruk and his wife Olga. Nadiya Shaporynska emphasized that their participation gave the concert a special emotional meaning and reminded those present of the importance of continued support for Ukraine and its defenders.
Special thanks were expressed to Dasha Gabay and Alex Balakersky for coordinating the musical program, as well as to the Musicians for Ukraine organization for their continued support of Ukraine through art since the beginning of the full-scale war.
The organizers also thanked the Walker Chapel United Methodist Church community for their hospitality and support for the charity event. Special thanks were expressed to the church’s music director, Dawn Kaiser, for her help in organizing the reception after the concert and creating a warm atmosphere for the guests.
Among the symbolic details of the evening were yellow-and-blue cupcakes in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which became a sign of solidarity with Ukraine. In addition, during the event, it was possible to purchase Ukrainian handmade products from local craftsmen.
The concert raised about $4,000 for humanitarian programs to help Ukrainian children, including a separate $500 charity check.
Organizers emphasized that the main force behind the event was the people – guests, volunteers, donors, and all the friends of Ukraine who joined in supporting children affected by the war.
Photo: US Ukrainian Activists, Ganna Proskura, Nadiya Shaporynska, Jonathan Brook
Author: Inna Mikhno