ESO Presents to host the Chicago Bandura Ensemble in a concert honoring Ukraine
On Sunday, Feb. 23, nearly three years to the day that Ukraine was invaded by Russia, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will present the Chicago Bandura Ensemble in a concert honoring the resilience and culture of the Ukrainian people.
The “Melodies of Resilience” concert will be held at 3 p.m. at Journey of Hope United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin.
Tickets are $20 or $5 for students, and are available at ElginSymphony.org or by calling the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
With a centuries old and storied history, the bandura is the instrument that most deeply resonates with the voice and soul of Ukraine. A traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, it gracefully blends elements of the zither and the lute.
The bandura’s development closely reflects the history of the Ukrainian nation and is considered to be the national instrument of Ukraine.
“The ‘ESO Presents’ series showcases a variety of live small-ensemble music experiences,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “We are honored to bring the Chicago Bandura Ensemble to share the musical and cultural history of Ukraine with our community.”
The all-female Chicago Bandura Ensemble includes Motria Poshyvanyk Caudill, Alina Chemerys, Vera Ivantsiv, Lesya Klimchenko, Yana Matsevych, Khrystyna Musiy, and Oksana Rodak, who will share their talents in a concert that honors the resilience of the Ukrainian people through the power of music in a versatile modern and traditional repertoire for bandura and voice.
The ensemble has extensively performed in many prestigious venues in Chicago and neighboring states. Its members are especially dedicated to organizing and supporting numerous charity concerts. Every ensemble member is driven by their passion for the bandura and Ukrainian musical tradition, maintaining important cultural motifs while expanding the bandura’s direction as an instrument.
About the Elgin Symphony Orchestra
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States, is celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2024-25.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is led by Chad Goodman, who was named the ESO’s music director — the fifth in the orchestra’s history — in May 2023. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, and innovative programming as demonstrated through its long history of highlighting the works of world-renowned conductors, composers, and musicians, and of promoting the advancement of women in the arts.
The ESO became a professional ensemble in 1985 in good part due to the leadership of the late Margaret Hillis, who served as the ESO’s music director from 1971-85. Hillis was one of the first females to break through the male-dominated world of conducting and is credited with being the impetus behind the creation of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Association, the formation of the ESO’s volunteer core — the Elgin Symphony League, and the start of the ESO’s commitment to music education and enrichment for youth.
Today, the ESO continues to draw its creativity and artistry from the Elgin area and gives back to the community through its Adopt-a-School program that provides supplemental music education and in-school performances to local schools; Musicians Care program that brings live music performances to local hospitals, hospices, and retirement homes; informational Listener’s Club events and other free programs at public libraries; In Harmony Program in places of worship; Ainsworth Concerts for Youth; free tickets for youth under 18; open rehearsals; and free community concerts throughout the region.
The Illinois Council of Orchestras has named the ESO Orchestra of the Year four times (1988, 1999, 2005 and 2016). The ESO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To learn more or to support the ESO, visit www.elginsymphony.org.