Ukraine’s Cultural Forces: A Journey of Resilience and Unity Comes to LPAC
Admission to Performance on Wednesday, May 29 is Free with RSVP
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (May 15, 2024) — The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY (LAGCC) announces a one-night, free musical performance by Cultural Forces, a collective of Ukrainian musicians representing the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The event, titled “From the Ukrainian Frontline With Thanks,” will take place on Wednesday, May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Little Theater at LPAC.
The musicians of Cultural Forces have firsthand experience with the harsh realities of war, having fought as members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the war with Russia. Through sharing their music and personal stories, they aim to showcase the resilience of the Ukrainian people and foster understanding and unity among diverse communities.
The performance at LPAC is part of Cultural Forces’ 40-day U.S. tour, which includes showcases in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and additional cities across the United States.
“We are honored to host Cultural Forces at LPAC and provide a platform for their inspiring journey,” said Evelyn Lowmark, Interim Executive Director of LPAC. “Cultural Forces’ use of music to promote unity and peace aligns with our mission of fostering cultural dialogue and understanding through the performing arts. The evening is sure to be one of meaningful cultural exchange.”
The performance will include renditions of a wide variety of music, from Ukrainian and world classical pieces, to covers of popular hits. The traditional Ukrainian string instrument, the bandura, will be featured in many pieces. Musicians performing on May 29 include:
- Mykolai Sierga (Sr. Lieutenant, 59 Separate Mechanized Brigade), leader of the Cultural Forces, is a Ukrainian TV presenter, musician, and producer.
- Taras Stoliar (PFC, Reconnaissance Operative, 112 Separate Brigade, Territorial Defense Forces) is a People’s Artist of Ukraine, a graduate of Chernivtsi music school and National Music Academy, the first-prize bandura player of the First Hnat Khotkevych International Folk Instruments Competition, and a soloist of the NAONI Orchestra.
- Olha Rukavishnikova (PFC, Reconnaissance Operative, Grenade Launcher Operator, 112 Separate Brigade, Territorial Defense Forces) is a violin player, conductor and symphonist, a graduate of the National Music Academy and a laureate of international music competitions.
- Yurii Ivaskevych (Sergeant, Infantryman, Grenade Launcher Operator Assistant, 110 Separate Brigade, Territorial Defense Forces) is a vocalist and soloist of the Zaporozhtsi Song and Dance Ensemble at Zaporizhzhia Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Mykhailo Oliinyk (PVT, 59 Separate Mechanized Brigade) is a composer and pianist, a Stanislav Lyudkevych Prize Laureate, a graduate of Glier Kyiv Municipal Music Academy and Lyssenko Lviv National Music Academy.
“The concert will feature special guests and opportunities for interaction between the audience and the artists,” added Ms. Lowmark.
Admission is FREE. RSVP here to reserve seats for “Cultural Forces: From the Ukrainian Frontline With Thanks.” Audience members are encouraged to enter LaGuardia Community College at 45-50 Van Dam Street, Long Island City, Queens (see Maps and Directions). For further information, please email lpacboxoffice@lagcc.cuny.edu or call (718) 482-5151.
• • • •
The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) welcomes vibrant storytellers to create theater, music, and dance to inspire conversation, connection, and change within our diverse community. It is the stage for productions of the award-winning Theater and Music Performance programs of LaGuardia Community College, as well as works from partner institutions, including Carnegie Hall, Joffrey Ballet School, and the Drama League of New York.
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.
####