Performances + Events
New England Conservatory presents three concerts in support of Ukraine and the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced by the war. The events, April 16, April 17, and May 11, are free with ticket RSVP (April 16 is online only), and donations are encouraged to Direct Relief alongside many other highly rated charities supporting the efforts in Ukraine, as rated by Charity Navigator.
These in-person and virtual performances feature legendary pianists Evgeny Kissin and Sergei Babayan, alongside esteemed NEC faculty members, Miriam Fried, Kim Kashkashian, Paul Biss, Yeesun Kim, and the Borromeo String Quartet, and students from Cleveland Institute of Music, Colburn School, Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, New World Symphony, Royal Conservatory of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
The concerts seek to raise awareness and funds for Ukrainians struggling during the war with donations to nonprofits who can support medical services and supplies, fresh food and clean water, housing, and animal welfare.
These NEC concerts, spearheaded by NEC piano faculty member Alexander (Sasha) Korsantia, stemmed from a shared desire from the institution and other artists to bring vital funding to Ukrainians in need.
President Andrea Kalyn says,
“We stand with Ukraine and are in awe of the bravery and love for country and culture that Ukrainians are displaying in the face of this horrendous act of war. We offer these concerts in solidarity on behalf of NEC for Ukraine and its people.”
Korsantia says,
“This concert is an expression of our outrage for the criminal act of war that is taking place now in Ukraine. No matter how much we do, it will never be enough – nothing can bring back the lives lost. This concert, along with thousands of others, also expresses a shared sense of humanity and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, as we are continuously inspired by their perseverance and heroism. Слава Україні!”
NEC Concert for Ukraine with Guest Artist, Pianist Sergei Babayan
Esteemed guest artists Stanislav Khristenko, Sergei Babayan, and Andrius Žlabys perform alongside legendary NEC faculty in a concert of solidarity with Ukraine – united in the idea that music is a universal language. The entire NEC community sends out a wish for hope and freedom for all people. Join NEC for a chamber music concert to raise funds for Ukraine. This concert is free with RSVP, and donations are encouraged to one of the highly rated charities supporting the efforts in Ukraine, as rated by Charity Navigator.
Program:
J.S. Bach – M. Hess, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
Alexander Korsantia, piano
Welcome by NEC President Andrea Kalyn
Boris Lyatoshinsky, Prelude Op. 38, No. 3
Stanislav Khristenko, piano
Andrius Žlabys, Movement for String Quartet and Piano, 2016
Andrius Žlabys, piano
Miriam Fried, violin
Paul Biss, violin
Kim Kashkashian, viola
Johannes Brahms, Piano Quintet Op. 34
Allegro non troppo
Andante, un poco adagio
Scherzo: Allegro
Finale: Poco sostenuto. Allegro non troppo
Sergei Babayan, piano
Miriam Fried, violin
Paul Biss, violin
Kim Kashkashian, viola
Yeesun Kim, cello
NEC Concert for Ukraine with Guest Artist, Pianist Evgeny Kissin
New England Conservatory presents internationally beloved pianist, Evgeny Kissin in concert for a fundraiser performance in support of Ukraine. Together, NEC artists and Mr. Kissin present a concert of solo piano works and Mr. Kissin’s own string quartet as a display of solidarity and hope. This concert is free with RSVP, and donations are encouraged to one of the highly rated charities supporting the efforts in Ukraine, as rated by Charity Navigator.
Program:
Welcome by NEC President Andrea Kalyn
Evgeny Kissin, String Quartet Op. 3
Adagio liberamente
Allegro inquieto
Largo drammatico
Pensierosamente, ma mantenendo strettamente il ritmo puntato
Borromeo String Quartet:
Nicholas Kitchen, violin
Kristopher Tong, violin
Nick Cords, viola
Yeesun Kim, cello
Frédéric Chopin, Scherzo No. 2 B-flat Minor, Op. 31
Frédéric Chopin, Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53
Conversation with Evgeny Kissin and NEC Piano Department Chair, Bruce Brubaker
Besides being one of the world’s most acclaimed piano virtuosos, Evgeny Kissin is an artist, a poet, a polyglot. Bruce Brubaker’s conversation with Mr. Kissin will touch upon matters of the spirit and the heart. Can we hear music in a world filled with suffering? What are the social responsibilities, or potential contributions of the musician?
