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Ukraine Benefit Concert features World Renowned Pianist

Ukrainian piano concert and distinguished artist,  ANNA SAGALOVA, will perform on
Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Lighthouse Church (5545 Ladner Trunk Road, Ladner).   The Classical Piano Concert is a Benefit for Ukraine.  Doors will open at 6:30 P.M with the concert beginning  at 7:30 P.M.    The event is organized and hosted by Lighthouse Church and The Wander Inn Café committee.     Tickets will not be sold but donations will be taken at intermission.   Proceeds will be sent to support Ukrainians suffering because of the conflict through ERDO.  ERDO is a highly respected and acclaimed, Canadian humanitarian organization with partners on the ground in Ukraine.

The Artist:  Anna Sagalova 

Anna Sagalova is an Associate Professor at Kharkiv National University of Arts,  has her  Doctoral degree in Arts , and was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine for her achievements and contributions.     She has played  as a soloist with symphony orchestras throughout Ukraine and has  played concerts in places such as Geneva, Vienna, and Germany.    Her performances have been heard on radio and T.V. and she has recorded two compact discs.   Since coming to Canada,  Anna has committed herself to playing Ukrainian classical programs to raise  funds  in support of her country and her university.  She has performed in Toronto, Vancouver, and around B.C.   Currently, she is teaching at the International School of Music in Vancouver and is, also, teaching privately.    Anna and her son left Ukraine, for safety purposes,  but, unfortunately, her husband and mother stayed behind.    At present, she and her son are living in South Surrey.

A quote from Anna:  “I grew up listening to Kempff, Schnabel, Arrau, Michelangeli, and Gould.   One of my life's biggest impressions was attending Leon Fleisher's masterclass (one of Schnabel's students) and seeing his respect and love for every note.     I have had the same teacher since I was 14, a student of Stanislav Neuhaus. She had a strong personality and heavily influenced me not only as a musician but also as a person. I grew up on what was close to her. I worshipped Stanislav Neuhaus. We were taught that each note carries a huge responsibility. They taught us not so much virtuosity as responsibility for each played note and letting it through yourself, even if that comes at the expense of the technique. We were taught to read a lot, and not only professional literature, because your awareness of life experiences affects what you can say on the stage. It is more about what you are playing rather than how. You can play a musical phrase in 20 different ways. I developed a habit of coming up with lyrics for every piece I play, preferably two different versions designed to help with tonal perfection. You have to make music not just beautiful but meaningful” (unquote).
A quote from her friend, Eugene Skovorodnikov, who is  the  Director of the International School of Music in Vancouver    “She is an honoured artist of Ukraine – a brilliant pianist and a wonderful teacher”    “She’s very sensitive, with a perfect sense of style and sound quality, and a great vitality” (unquote).

The Cause

Why should this matter to any of us?     When the full-scale war began in February, 2022, humanitarians have worked day and night to make sure nearly 16 million people in Ukraine received needed support.      The agriculture industry and access to health care, water, electricity, and education have been severely affected.   As time passes the extension of aid is diminishing while the need is increasing.      The agriculture industry and access to health care, water, electricity, and education have been severely affected.    The war is leaving deep, invisible scars on the people of Ukraine.   The World Health organization states that nearly 10 million people are at risk of acute stress, anxiety, depression, substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder.    We can, and must,  keep supporting the people of Ukraine.    
A quote from Anna, “Nobody knows how or where this will finish.  And when this war does end, then I will decide together with my husband if he will come here or if I will go there.  But for now, I will try to do everything I can for my hometown."

For more information, call 604-943-8094.

 

Donations  will be collected via cash, debit/credit, online and via cheque (made payable to Lighthouse Church).  Donations over $25 will be receipt if accompanied with donor's full name and address.