On October 23, a charity concert was held at Carnegie Hall in New York in support of children and families affected by russia’s war against Ukraine. The event was supported by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN and U.S. diplomatic missions in participating countries.
Photo by Ukrinform
The evening brought together artists from over ten countries, including the renowned Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the exceptional violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and the Ukrainian «Dumka» choir from New York. The highlight of the concert was Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the «Ode to Joy», performed by the Ukrainian Orchestra, led by German musician Christoph Eschenbach.
In her video address, Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, emphasized that this concert reflects important international support.
«The participation of musicians from various countries in the orchestra demonstrates the power of unity and solidarity,» stressed Olena Zelenska.
«This global cooperation symbolizes our shared commitment to peace and justice through the universal language of music,» said Ambassador Sergii Kyslytsia, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, addressing the audience.
In turn, the concert organizers from the stage reminded everyone of russia’s horrific crimes against Ukraine, particularly the forced deportation of children.
«The United States has stood with the Ukrainian people from the very first day of russia’s invasion, as they bravely defend their culture, democracy, and freedom,» said U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. «Global support for Ukraine is unwavering».
All proceeds from the event will go to Direct Relief, an organization that has been actively helping Ukrainians since the start of the war by providing essential medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
In September 2024, during a working visit to the USA, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, met with Clive Gillinson, Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall. He emphasized that due to russian aggression, over 550 Ukrainian children have become victims of the war.
The first charity concert, «Concert for Ukraine», took place at Carnegie Hall in May 2022, with proceeds directed toward humanitarian aid. In 2023, two significant concerts were held: one by the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra and another featuring «Shchedryk», during which a unique blackout project was implemented, plunging Carnegie Hall into darkness as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the audience. At the beginning of 2024, Carnegie Hall also hosted a concert for children who won a Ukrainian music competition in New York.
