Musical Tribute to Ukraine: News Release

Winnipeg, MB, October 13, 2023

The Mennonite Community Orchestra in collaboration with the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians will present a musical tribute to Ukraine as part of its Fall Concert. The Concert, titled “The Power of Hope”, will encourage solidarity with the people of Ukraine and other nations struggling for freedom while carrying hope in their hearts, despite being caught up in war. The concert will feature Silvestrov’s evocative “Prayer for Ukraine” and the Taras Bulba Overture by M. Lysenko.

Also on the program is the world premiere of “Rains Dance”, a piano concerto by Liam Berry, student at Canadian Mennonite University, commissioned for the occasion. Georg Neuhofer, winner of CMU’s Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition, will perform the concerto.

The Goodwill Partner for the concert is the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, an organization that has supported the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg and in Ukraine since 1918 and which is well known for its historic landmark building, The Ukrainian Labour Temple.

Andrea Bell returns to lead the orchestra in the works mentioned, as well as Dvorak’s warm and soulful 7th Symphony. Newly appointed Concertmaster John Taves will make his debut at this concert.

The Mennonite Community Orchestra’s Power of Hope concert will be held Sunday, November 5 at 3 PM at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington St. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, with children 12 and under accompanied by an adult admitted at no charge. See the website at mennonitecommunityorchestra.ca for further details.

For further media information:

Bob Wiebe, President MCO: 204 837 3967, bwiebe@enlivenconsulting.ca