This May, the Erie Philharmonic will conclude its successful 2022-23 season with Mozart’s beloved Requiem in lieu of the originally planned Alexander Nevsky, composed by Sergei Prokofiev. Furthermore, the Philharmonic is dedicating this performance to the victims of the war in Ukraine and will donate 10% of ticket sales to the Erie United for Ukraine Fund at the Erie Community Foundation.
If you have tickets for the May 13 performance, you will be issued new tickets reflecting the repertoire change in the coming weeks.
“While we were very much looking forward to performing Prokofiev’s composition, we understand that this a sensitive work to perform at this juncture in light of the current war in Ukraine. While ‘Alexander Nevsky’ tells the story of a historical war, the current Russian administration is using it for propaganda purposes. We appreciate that music can have a powerful ability to unite communities, and we have chosen instead to perform Mozart’s Requiem to celebrate the spirit of the Ukrainian people and commemorate those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.”
For historical context, Sergei Prokofiev's film score and later cantata, Alexander Nevsky, was utilized as propaganda within the Soviet Union to promote Soviet ideals and used the historical figure of Alexander Nevsky to draw parallels with Soviet-era leadership. The continued use of these metaphors, plus the piece's glorification of Russia's military prowess and even an overt call to arms, continues to have relevance given Russia's current war on Ukraine.
The Erie United for Ukraine Fund was established in March 2022, by the Erie Community Foundation and the United Way of Erie.
“While we continue to be devastated by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the Erie Community Foundation is proud of Erie’s generosity in providing aid to those who need it most through #ErieUnitedforUkraine. Thanks to our partnership with United Way, we are confident that every dollar raised will help to address the heartbreaking struggles faced by refugees and we are grateful that the Erie Philharmonic community is joining us in that effort. Our collective power as a community shines through efforts like this one.”
“We at United Way of Erie County, recognize this difficult decision by the Erie Philharmonic, and appreciate and support their sensitivity and compassion. This an opportunity to continue to unite communities to help with the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts of the Ukrainian people. United Way of Erie County, in partnership with our friends at United Way of Southwest Pennsylvania, United Way Worldwide and The Erie County Foundation, will be able to direct the contributions from this concert to the organizations with expertise in humanitarian relief efforts: United Way Romania, United Way Hungary and Fundacja Dobrych Inicjatyw (Good Initiatives Foundation) in Poland.”
The first half of this performance, scheduled for Saturday, May 13, will feature renowned pianist Adam Golka performing Tchaikovsky’s monumental Piano Concerto No. 1. Golka, along with Music Director Meyer and pianist Nathan Hess, traveled to the Steinway factory in New York City in Summer 2021 to select the Philharmonic’s brand-new grand piano. Golka will be performing on this very piano in May.
Tickets are still available for this performance. The concert starts at 8 pm, and doors will open at 7 pm. Concert attendees are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and masks will only be required if Erie County is in a high community spread level.
Mozart’s Requiem
Sat, May 13th at 8pm
Warner Theatre | Erie, PA
o Requiem replaces previously announced performance of Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevskyo
o In support of Ukraine, 10% of ticket sales will be donated to Erie United for Ukraine Fund
o Season finale for the Erie Philharmonic’s 2022-23 season
Get your tickets online at eriephil.org, via phone at 814-455-1375 or in-person at 23 W 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501.