'Show Of Caring' Concert For Ukraine Raises $28,000​

TARRYTOWN, NY — The concert Sunday at the Tarrytown Music Hall raised funds for charities that will provide humanitarian and medical aid to the people of Ukraine.

“A Show of Caring — A Concert to Benefit Ukraine” was held before a sold-out audience of more than 700 and featured a program of songs, visuals and stories reflecting the vibrant culture of the country that was invaded by Russia Feb. 24.

A variety of musical genres was performed on a stage decorated with sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, and a backdrop of blue and yellow.

Performers included pianist Dr. Irena Portenko, the more-than 30 member Ukrainian Dumka Chorus of New York — recently seen on "Saturday Night Live," pianist Svetlana Gorokhovich, countertenor Jeffrey Palmer and Metropolitan Opera bass Stefan Szkafarowsky.

Portenko opened the program with a lively song, “Toccata” by Arkady Filipenko, performed against a backdrop of photographer Jerome Strauss’ colorful aerial views of a peaceful Kyiv, Ukraine photographed before the war. Bjorn Olsson, executive director of the Tarrytown Music Hall, then introduced Rep. Mondaire Jones, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner.

Jones said his heart was heavy just like the audiences, and he was very angry.

"But we should also be encouraged by the incredible strength we have seen the Ukrainian people summon, as well as the United States, leading not just our NATO allies but the rest of the free world to bring pressure down on Vladimir Putin and Russia," he said. "We've got a long way to go, but I sincerely believe that when all is said and done, Ukraine will be free."

Latimer said the Russian military has suppressed the freedom of the people of Ukraine.

"This concert reminded us that music is a universal language," he said. "All across this globe, music unites us, even if our languages are not the same. The people of Ukraine, desire the same thing we all do, freedom. We believe in freedom. We pray for the Ukrainian people, and we stand by them.”

Other local leaders in the audience included Tarrytown Mayor Karen Brown, Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo, Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Nicola Armacost and Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian.