Sunday 1 February 2015

St. John's Institute Fundraising Gala 2015

YEG is so blessed with St. John's Institute.  SJI is a wonderful non profit affordable housing option, in a desirable location near the University of Alberta  - with a reputation for exceptional food and welcome hosting of arts and cultural events. Visit SJI at http://www.stjohnsinstitute.com/

The amazing work of community building across many generations continues at St. John's Institute Edmonton. While I have been there for (compliments to the kitchen!) pyrogy supper, and my daughter did spent more than one summer living at SJI during her studies, just a few blocks from the U of A, I can't believe my misfortune (misjudgement of schedule!) of missing the recently sponsored concerts by my favorite Ukrainian musicians, Піккардійська Терція, в Едмонтоні! And all the extras I have mentioned don't even come close to recognizing the many decades of Ukrainian student life that has been fostered at SJ!. 

Folks, it's official! If you like what the SJI people do, and want to support their upcoming projects, you will be in good company to join them on Saturday Feb 7 at the "Show Me the Money" Fundraising Gala! on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Palace, 3223 Parsons Road (99 Street) Edmonton. 

I understand Suzanna and the board have arranged for live performances by Mercury Opera, Viter Ukrainian Dancers & Folk Choir, and Toy Guns Dance Theatre. That is, after the highly social cocktails, delicious dinner and amazing dance social by Steppe.

Contact SJI at , 780-439-2320, arts_culture@stjohnsinstitute.com for tickets!!




Classical Music for Ukraine

Canada has certainly been a friend in need, an advocate for governmental support, and local activism during the recent political and military upheaval in Ukraine. Since the remarkable Revolution of Dignity in November 2013, Ukraine has both triumphed and been challenged, as it sets its course for the future - a true battle in no uncertain terms. Calgarians have been raising funds to materially and emotionally support those in the "line of fire", especially (but not solely) through medical aid support.

In a celebration of our deepest human values, Calgary's Stephania Romaniuk, and advanced students of the Mount Royal Conservatory have joined efforts for a fundraising concert, a program of Classical Music for Ukraine, Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, AB T3E 6K6.

Nando Malysh 2015
Stephania's gregarious nature, and heart of gold have invited others to passionately embrace this lovely call to duty. The program features the talents of Stephania Romaniuk, mezzo-soprano & artistic director, Tanya Chumak, ballerina, Daniel Dastoor, violin, Cheryl Emery, piano, Lindsey Herle, violin, Minja McKenna, viola, and Andrew Tai-Soon Park, cello. The concert of art songs, arias and instrumental music will also embrace select Ukrainian art songs, gems to welcome into the Classical canon. A rich, fulfilling musical experience awaits.


Stephania's ambition is to travel to Ukraine to contribute in person to the humanitarian effort in person later this spring. A three city concert tour to Odessa, Lviv, Kyiv (Odessa Opera House - Kvitka Cisyk Tribute Concert featuring Dzhamala and other Ukrainian pop stars, Lviv Pototsky Palace featuring Oksana Mukha, Pavlo Tabakov, Choir "Orfei" and others, and L'viv Military Hospital, Kyiv Philharmonia and Canadian Embassy in Kyiv) April 2-12, 2015.

Stephania Romaniuk 2015
If you are needing a study break with beautiful classical music, or mission driven to help an important cause, you will be in good company at Classical Music for Ukraine. For more information on how to get the most of your music-listening experience, or how to contribute to the "help Ukraine" effort, please contact Stephania at 587.228.0220.

Stephania and string quartet will also be performing the repertoire from these tour dates in the Calgary's competitive city-wide Performing Arts Festival in March 2015. The musicians have also been invited to perform (other repertoire) at the BELLA: Fundraiser for the Calgary Health Region, taking place March 11, 2015 at Holt Renfrew (Tickets $500/Seat, $5,000 per VIP table of 6)



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