Ukrainian Orchestra to Perform at Houghton University

Houghton University will host the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine for a concert on the Western New York campus on Wednesday, February 1. The orchestra is led by principal conductor Theodore Kuchar, who joined the faculty of Houghton’s Greatbatch School of Music in fall of 2022 as the professor of orchestral conducting. Tickets are available to the public as part of the University’s annual Kindschi Faith & Justice Symposium.

Part of the world-renowned orchestra’s 40-stop tour, the concert will feature Ukrainian composer Yevhen Stankovych’s Chamber Symphony No. 3, Ukrainian virtuoso Vladyslava Luchenko performing the Brahms Violin Concerto and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” Under Kuchar’s leadership, the Lviv orchestra completed highly acclaimed recordings for major international labels including Naxos, Toccata Classics and Brilliant Classics. Over the years, they have also toured extensively around the world, including Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and The People’s Republic of China.

“We are honored to welcome the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra to Houghton University and to Western New York,” said Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., president of Houghton University. “They come at a moment in world history to never be forgotten as the Ukranian people defend their families and their nation against the atrocities of the Russian army in the most significant conflict on the European continent since World War II. In addition to the cultural gifts the orchestra will bring to Houghton, their presence will allow our students and community to faithfully consider our role and the role of the church in responding to war, conflict and humanitarian crises.”

Presented as part of the Kindschi Faith & Justice Symposium at Houghton, this concert represents the latest opportunity for students and the surrounding community to explore how faith engages with complex challenges. “This year’s theme, ‘War and Conflict,’ is particularly relevant given the crisis in Ukraine but also the ongoing conflicts in numerous other countries,” said Brian Webb, director of the Center for Faith, Justice and Global Engagement and assistant professor of sustainability. “This year’s symposium will feature stories of grace, hospitality and peacemaking as we discuss how the Church can be a sanctuary amidst these crises.”

During the symposium, Kuchar will also lead a workshop, “A Pointless War – Ukraine’s 500 Years of Dodging Bullets.”

“The Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton is truly one of the glories of the University, a facility that many of the most prestigious music schools in this country could only dream of,” continued Kuchar. “The faculty and staff represent the truest examples of goodwill and comradery, and the student body is certainly a model of diligence, respect and artistic focus. One of the most essential aspects in the development of any young professional is a regular exposure to and understanding of the artistic standards and expectations that await in the next phase of development. To hear an acclaimed symphony orchestra and highly distinguished violin soloist certainly helps to clarify and establish a clearer understanding of this competitive profession.”

Tickets and more information are available on Houghton’s website at www.houghton.edu/Ukraine.