National Symphony Orchestra Of Ukraine Performs At Kean University

From The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine: The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe, will perform at Kean Stage’s Wilkins Theatre on Friday, February 10. The orchestra, which was formed by the Council of Ministers in Ukraine in 1918, will showcase the works of Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky under the direction of Conductor Laureate Theodore Kuchar.

“This is no ordinary orchestra,” said Kuchar. “The musicians play with a vigor and energy that is not usually heard in symphonies.” The orchestra received an excellent review in the Sydney Morning Herald that said: “The brass could endanger the wall of Jericho; the percussion might wake the dead.”

According to Kuchar, American and British orchestras are more refined and sophisticated. “With us, you hear the sounds beyond what an orchestra usually does,” he said. “It’s not everyone’s taste, but believe me, once you hear it, you won’t want to hear it any other way.”

Since being appointed artistic director and principal conductor of the orchestra in 1994, Kuchar has brought the orchestra international recognition, releasing more than 70 sound recordings including Ukrainian and international repertoires. Many have received the highest international acclaim, with several nominated for Grammy Awards.“Being Ukrainian, I was always aware of the potential of this orchestra,” he said. In 1991, when Ukraine became a nation, Kuchar “felt a moral obligation to do something for my people, to cultivate the truest artistic potential of this orchestra. Every political regime brought new oppression and changed things. The one thing that survived for centuries is our music.”

While the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is on its United States concert tour, the orchestra will perform many of its shows in university settings. “In Europe, every city has its own concert hall,” Kuchar said. “That’s not the case in the United States, where some of the most wonderful performance venues are usually on university campuses.”

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will perform at Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre at7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10. Tickets are $20-$40. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 908-737-SHOW (7469) or visit www.keanstage.com.

Images Courtesy Of The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine