Local Ukraine Benefits

GF Symphony seeks $$ for clarinetist & colleagues in Ukraine

The Glens Falls Symphony has set up a Ukraine Musicians Fund on the ticket page of its website, TheGlensFallsSymphony.org, to help GFSO Second Clarinet player Sergiy Dvornichenko and his musicial colleagues in Ukraine.

Sergiy has been living with his family in Ukraine for much of the pandemic, said the Symphony. Last week they fled to a safe haven, the Symphony said.

Sergiy has been second clarinet in the Symphony since 2009, Executive Director Jennifer Brink tells The Chronicle. “He was here in our region to perform and teach during last summer, in 2021.

She said, “Several of the upcoming Spring 2022 concerts call for clarinet, and we are holding his spot in the chance that he may get to the United States in time.

“If he is not here for those concerts, we have musicians ready to step in, but his position is secure for him no matter what the temporary circumstances are.”

Ms. Brink said, “We do have periodic direct contact with him, but he is keeping a low profile for his and his family’s safety.

“His colleague and friend Chris Bush, who is our Principal Clarinet, stays in more frequent, secure contact with him and keeps us informed.”

She said Sergiy’s brother is the Executive Director of the MACO Slobozhanski Orchestra in Kharkiv. Both of their wives work for the Orchestra as well.

Kharkiv has been “especially hard hit,” she wrote: “On Friday the Opera House, Philharmonic Hall and other cultural institutions were bombed.”

As of Tuesday, $3,750 had been raised “from the public, fellow musicians, Symphony staff and Board,” Ms. Brink said.

“The notes that donors have sent us are very touching.

“I believe that people’s hearts are breaking for those who are having to flee their homes or are bravely staying to fight- our community members express to us that they are so happy to feel that they can do something tangible.

“We are all sending good wishes to Sergiy, his family, his colleagues, and everyone else in Ukraine who are enduring this rapidly escalating tragedy.”

“Thank you for keeping the plight of the Ukrainians and indeed, all displaced people, in your hearts.”

‘Walk for Ukraine’ in GF is Sunday, Mar. 13

Temple Beth El and Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Glens Falls plan a ‘Walk for Ukraine’ on Sunday, March 13, beginning at 1 p.m. from the rear parking lot of Temple Beth El, 3 Marion Avenue.

The march will proceed on Glen Street, to Shaaray Tefila on Bay Street.

Opening remarks will be offered by Rabbi Joshua Gray and Rabbi Norman Mendel.

A donations will go to the Global Giving Organization for Ukrainian relief — “specifically helping to safely relocate families and provide shelter, food and water as well as health and psychosocial support,” said organizers.

Participants who make a donation will be given a Ukrainian flag. Refreshments will also be offered. Info: 792-4364.

42°: Sing for Ukraine

42 Degrees Tavern on Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls presents “Sing for Ukraine,” a benefit karaoke and open mic night tonight, Thursday, March 10, beginning at 6 p.m. Contact owner Robin Barkenhagen on the 42 Degrees Facebook page to sign up.

Guest host Mike Thompson writes, “All proceeds will go to The United Nations Refugee Agency.

“This agency helps to provide displaced people (mostly women, children and men that are too old to fight) with food, shelter, medicine and other services.”

Mr. Thomson wrote, “I lived and worked in the Ukrainian capital for five years. My family, friends, colleagues and former students are in great danger and need our support.

“I also know a few Americans who were working as English teaches who are stuck there as well. They are all good people. I also know people in Kharkiv and Chernihiv. Your support is greatly appreciated!”

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