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The Philadelphia Orchestra performs the "State Anthem of Ukraine," a year since the Russian invasion

At the opening of its Friday matinee, the Philadelphia Orchestra marked a year since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. "We stand here in support of Ukraine," said Matías Tarnopolsky, Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. president and CEO. The orchestra then performed the "State Anthem of Ukraine," led by guest conductor Stéphane Denève. The Verizon Hall concert (whose program was set before the Russian invasion) featured Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 3 and the U.S. premiere of Elena Firsova’s Piano Concerto. Both composers "were persecuted in Russia for their identities and their artistic expression,” Tarnopolsky told the audience. “Our message today is that these composers and their music spoke to something the Ukrainian people are fighting for - identity and peace in the face of brutal oppression."
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    Courtesy of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Handout