If you’ve been searching for ways to support your Ukrainian neighbours as well as have a great load of fun, we’ve got something for you!
The Ukrainian Cultural Centre has two marvelous music-focused fundraising events planned for the month of March—where both of these concerts will take place.
Janna Fabrikova, the Director at the Ukrainian-Canadian Cultural Society, highlighted both the importance of raising awareness as well as presenting these events as a way to thank the Victoria community as a whole for being so welcoming and supportive.
The continuing support has been a pillar of hope for those are still struggling and have been impacted by the war.
“Being a Ukrainian mother myself, in my nightmares I run away from the bombs on the streets, nurse my baby on the stairs of a makeshift shelter—a former underground subway station, try to push my child in the overcrowded train evacuating people from the frontlines,” Fabrikova told Victoria Buzz.
“I want my children to go to school, read books, and have a future. Never lose hope that comes to us though art and music. This is what [these events] are about for me.”
The first, a Spring of Hope benefit concert, is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd and will feature the unique talent of virtuoso violinist, the “Ukrainian Paganini”—Vasyl Popadiuk.
Popadiuk has been described as a prodigy since childhood, having mastered the violin at the age of 6! He’s headlined many music festivals in Canada, Ukraine, and Europe, and has been the nominee for the “Person of the Year” award, and is an honored artist of Ukraine.
Vasyl’s musical style is a combination of classical, jazz, Latin, and pop tones.
This concert is dedicated to the anniversary of the war and all proceeds from the performance will be donated to the Maple Hope Foundation.
Their programs focus on the socio-psychological rehabilitation project for children and orphans returning to Ukraine from occupied and enemy’s territories, as well as for the children whose parents are in captivity.
Attendees will also be able to take a look at the unique items from Ukraine that have been selected for an auction!
Tickets are $50 for adults and free for children under 12-years-old—you can purchase them here.
The second event will take place on Friday, March 15th and will feature Gerdan, a Ukrainian folk vocal band ensemble from Chernivtsi, Ukraine.
It consists of sixteen incredibly talented members who are famous in Ukraine and their arrangements of traditional folk songs impress everyone with authenticity, reviving the true Ukrainian musical heritage.
Proceeds from this concert will go towards supporting band members who were defending Ukraine and are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for injuries.
“We guarantee that the audiences will enjoy the concerts and get to know more about Ukrainian art and music!” gushed Fabrikova.
The early bird discount is still active for another couple of days and is selling tickets for $40. General admission tickets are $50 and children aged 12 and under get free admission.
You can purchase those here.
Ukrainian Cultural Society
- Where: Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 3277 Douglas Street
- When:
- Saturday, March 2nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday, March 15th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
