Musicians United for Ukraine

• Anton Belov, baritone
• Lark Powers, piano
• Ksenia Popova, soprano
• Olga Dolgaya, cello
• Michelle Huang, piano
• Dilyara Shiderova, piano
• Emma Burge, violin
• Valentyn Lysenko, bandura

Discover the music of Ukraine! It is a country of rich cultural heritage, and its music deserves to be heard by audiences worldwide. This moving and engaging program includes traditional melodies played on a bandura (the iconic Ukrainian psaltery), art songs by romantic and contemporary composers, works for organ, as well as chamber music for piano, cello, and violin.

Music by Mykola Lysenko, Platon Maiboroda, Myroslav Skoryk, Borys Lyatoshynsky, and Oleg Bezborodko. Songs to the poetry of Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Franko, among others.

All proceeds will benefit Leleka Foundation and its Ukraine relief efforts. The price of tickets and any additional donations may be tax deductible. More information: https://leleka.care/

As of Saturday, March 12, 2022 the PLU campus has moved to a mask-optional policy in concert with changes at the state level and recommendations of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. In addition, the university will no longer mandate proof of vaccination for visitors attending campus events. Please check PLU Covid policies before the concert: https://www.plu.edu/coronavirus/plu-covid-19-policies/

About Aquilon Music Festival

https://www.aquilonmusicfestival.org/

About Anton Belov, baritone

https://www.antonbelov.com/

About Lark Powers, piano

https://www.plu.edu/music/staff/lark-powers/

About Ksenia Popova, soprano

https://www.kseniapopova.com/

About Michelle Huang, piano

A native of Taiwan, pianist Michelle Huang has performed and taught extensively throughout the U.S. as well as abroad in the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, China, and Taiwan. She has appeared as soloist and guest artist in numerous recitals and has given lectures, workshops, and master classes. As a chamber musician, Michelle Huang has collaborated frequently with vocalists and instrumentalists as well as various chamber groups, such as the Mary L’Engle Ensemble; the River City Trio, the chamber group-in-residence at Friday Musicale in Jacksonville, Florida; the Jacksonville Symphony; and Richmond Symphony musicians.

About Emma Burge, violin

Violinist Emma Burge is an avid supporter of contemporary and new music, seeking to combine her classical training with improvisation. Emma is a third generation Suzuki violinist, whose grandparents Sandy and Joan Reuning were pivotal in bringing the Suzuki method to the U.S. Emma recently moved to Seattle from Boston, where she got a degree from the New England Conservatory and was an active freelancer/teacher. Because of her intense performance education, Emma has learned a lot about balance and how to use music as a positive force.

About Valentyn Lysenko, bandura

Valentyn Lysenko brings back to life the 17th-century bandura, the iconic Ukrainian psaltery. He graduated from Kyiv National Music Academy. Valentyn is a master builder of his own instruments. Valentyn has appeared as a headliner on numerous events in Ukraine and the United States including live TV shows, solo and gala concerts, and art exhibitions. He performs classical works for the academic bandura and variations of folk music as well as his own compositions. The unique and wonderful sound of Valentyn's bandura creates a lofty and festive atmosphere.