Seattle Symphony concert will benefit Ukraine and refugees worldwide

In light of stressful events half a world away, Seattle-area musicians have found a way to unite and "do something practical" with their craft. A benefit concert at Benaroya Hall will feature Ukrainian songs and art, and raise funds for people affected by the war.

The concert is the evening of Monday, April 4 and features the Seattle Symphony and local Ukrainian musicians. In-person tickets are no longer available, but you can stream the event through the symphony's website, and it will be broadcast live on the Seattle Channel.

The event is partially organized through Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's office, who will be joined by 33 other King County mayors and King County Executive Dow Constantine at the event.

KUOW’s Kim Malcolm spoke to Raff Wilson, the Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Seattle Symphony.

The Mayors' Concert for Ukraine and Refugees Worldwide at Benaroya Hall

Raff Wilson: This feels like an opportunity to do something practical. We're faced with this terrible footage and this terrible, distressing situation. One can feel powerless. This is a really good way to do something with our art form.

We're raising money for the Seattle Refugee Fund, which was created to benefit relief efforts for the people of Ukraine, and also for other refugees in western Washington. A total of 70% of the funds raised will go to Ukrainians in Europe and Seattle/King County through the International Rescue Committee and the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington; 30% will go to services for other refugees in Seattle/King County.

At the heart of the concert, we wanted to present music written by Ukrainian composers. We'll also be joined by two wonderful community groups: the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, who will be doing traditional dance from Ukraine; and the Slavic United Choir to sing hymns and anthems from Ukraine.

We’re presenting two great pieces of repertoire. The first is Sibelius’ Finlandia, which is a wonderful opening statement for this concert. It represents a nation discovering its identity and proclaiming it through music. At the end of the program is Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3. It’s about standing up against oppression. We feel that these two pieces also add a lot to the experience. We hope it will be very uplifting and will make it feel like a very optimistic night.

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.