Ukrainian Lights: Dreaming of Spring

UKRAINIAN LIGHTS FESTIVAL

The hour is dark for Ukrainians around the world. russia's invasion of our homeland is nearing its second anniversary and our hearts are heavy. We turn to music to bring a sparkle of light back into our souls. "Ukrainian Lights" is a festival of classical music showcasing a mix of beloved masterpieces and contemporary gems by Ukrainian and international composers performed by exceptional Ukrainian and Ukrainian-Canadian musicians.

DREAMING OF SPRING

The festival's closing concert "Dreaming of Spring" features Beethoven's "Spring Sonata" performed by violinist Petro Krysa and pianist Eugene Skovorodnikov, along with beloved classics by Mozart and Schubert, and 20th century gems by Ukrainian composers Skoryk and Shtoharenko.

"Ukrainian Lights" is co-produced by Pickle Underground and Music Encore Concert Society with support from The Shevchenko Foundation and Tom Lee Music.

FUNDRAISING FOR UKRAINIAN DEFENDERS

We are raising money for emergency medical kits for Ukrainian defenders. This campaign is being led by volunteers working with the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in New Westminster, BC. These kits save the lives of soldiers wounded on the battlefield in Ukraine's fight for freedom. If you want to contribute, add a donation along with your ticket purchase.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Ukrainian-Canadian violinist PETRO KRYSA traces his lineage to earlier waves of Ukrainian imigration in Canada. He feels equally at home playing a concerto in a concert hall or rocking out with a funk band in a nightclub. In addition to being a violinist in the Vancouver Opera Orchestra in Vancouver, BC and the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra in Seattle, he is also a member of two rock bands bands in Seattle area - Abney Park, pioneers of Steampunk genre and Every Breath: Tribute to Sting and The Police. Mr. Krysa performed in major concert halls of North America, Europe and Asia as well as at classical and jazz festivals nationally and abroad. Petro performs on a rare 300 year old Italian violin made by Alessandro Mezzadri as well as 5 string electric violin. He divides his busy professional and family schedule between Vancouver, Seattle and Toronto.

EUGENE SKOVORODNIKOV, a highly-regarded pianist and educator, was born in Soviet Ukraine and emigrated to Canada in 1990. Audiences throughout Europe, Canada, U.S., Latin America, Asia and former Soviet Union recognize him for his stylistic interpretation and his technical brilliance. He is a prize winner of "N. Lisenko" National Piano Competition (Ukraine). Skovorodnikov graduated from Kharkov State University of Arts (Ukraine) in 1981 (prof. R. P. Papkova), and took his post-graduate course at the St. Petersburg conservatory (prof. T. P. Kravtchenko), where he remained teaching until emigrating in 1990. With years of international experience performing as solo and chamber musician, and as soloist with orchestras, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Musical Arts by Kharkov State University of Arts (Ukraine) in 2006 for his achievements in performance and teaching. Skovorodnikov is also the President and Artistic Director of the Richmond Music Festival Society, Artistic Director of the Surrey and White Rock Music Festival, and Artistic Director and Piano Faculty of the Vancouver International School of Music.

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