RPO raises more than $58K for Ukraine through benefit concert

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) raised more than $58,000 for ROC Maidan through the Ukraine benefit concert it held Saturday.

The RPO says all $58,800 will go directly to ROC Maidan for medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and rehabilitation equipment to those affected by the crisis in Ukraine thanks to a donation from Dr. Dawn F. Lipson.

The concert was held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre and included speakers like RPO President & CEO Curtis S. Long, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Ukrainian Federal Credit Union CEO Oleg Lebedko, ROC Maidan Founder Volodymyr Pavlyuk, and Nazareth College Associate Professor of Political Science Olena Prokopovych.

RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs led the program, which began with the Ukrainian national anthem, and featured music by several Ukrainian composers, as well as the U.S. premiere of Yevhen Stankovych’s violin concerto No. 5, written for and performed by Eastman School of Music Professor of Violin Oleh Krysa.

The RPO does require guests ages 5 and older to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend concerts at Kodak Hall and masks are required.