Pittsburgh Symphony, United Way plan free benefit concert for Ukrainian refugees
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Pittsburghers pull together in tough times, said Bobbi Watt Geer, president and CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
She’s seen it happening as the United Way and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra prepare for a concert in support of humanitarian relief for the people of Ukraine.
“In true Pittsburgh fashion, all types of organizations are coming together to meet these incredible needs,” she said.
“A Concert for Peace” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Heinz Hall in downtown Pittsburgh. There is no fee to attend the concert, which also will be live-streamed on the Symphony’s digital platform, Front Row, and broadcast live by WQED-FM 89.3.
Donations will support United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and The Pittsburgh Foundation’s #PghUnitedForUkraine fundraiser.
In addition to the Symphony, the concert will feature individual musicians, vocalists and vocal groups.
The Symphony approached the local United Way about offering the benefit concert, according to Watt Geer.
“United Way is a worldwide organization, and it started a fund to support the Ukrainian refugees,” she said. “We have partner organizations on the ground in countries surrounding Ukraine.”
Funds raised will go to meet refugees’ immediate needs, including food, shelter and transportation, along with long-term needs as they arise, she said.
“Wherever need exists, we are called to help,” Watt Geer said. “By partnering with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, we can elevate the #PghUnitedForUkraine campaign and provide more support for those fleeing Ukraine.”
Led by PSO music director Manfred Honeck, the concert will be just over an hour long with no intermission.
It will feature pieces for full orchestra and a cappella choir, including works by Ukrainian composers Valentin Silvestrov, Myroslav Skoryk and Mykhailo Verbytsky, along with composers Arvo Pärt, Dmitri Shostakovich, James MacMillan, Marta Keen and Antonin Dvorak.
Featured performers will be Pittsburgh Symphony violinist Marta Krechkovsky and pianist Leif Ove Andsnes; Duquesne University Voices of Spirit; Pittsburgh Youth Chorus; and Pittsburgh Opera resident artists Madeline Ehlinger, Véronique Filloux, Yazid Gray, Jeremy Harr and Andrew Turner.
“We offer this ‘Concert of Peace’ as an expression of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to support, through both music and resources for humanitarian aid, the universal values of freedom and human rights that are under violent attack in Ukraine,” said PSO president/CEO Melia Tourangeau.
General admission tickets for the in-person concert at Heinz Hall are first come, first served, and available at 412-392-4900, pittsburghsymphony.org or in person at Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave.
To watch the live stream, viewers should visit psofrontrow.org and log in with their Cultural District accounts. Those without an account should follow the instructions on the Front Row homepage to create a free account.
Donations also can be made at any time at give.unitedwayswpa.org/Ukraine. Links to the donation portal will be posted at Heinz Hall and on Front Row.