PRINCETON, NJ — The New Jersey Symphony (NJS) recently showed its solidarity with Ukraine by playing the national anthem before the start of a concert this past weekend.
The concert, held at the Richardson Auditorium in Princeton University on March 11, mainly featured music by Russian virtuoso Tchaikovsky. But ahead of the concert, NJS President Gabriel van Aalst addressed the “unjust war,” and dedicated the performances to the “people of Ukraine.”
“As we gather here, we want to keep in our hearts the people of Ukraine. New Jersey Symphony dedicated this weekend’s performance to their resilience and strength during this unjust war,” van Aalst said.
His statement followed a rousing rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem conducted by Maestra Xian Zhang. Ukraine’s national anthem, “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy,” translates to “Ukraine has not yet perished.”
Speaking on the symphony’s decision to begin the program with the national anthem, van Aalst told Patch that musicians will continue to use their voice to fight oppression.
“We condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and wish the violence to stop for the sake of the Ukrainian people,” van Aalst said.
“We agree with the League of American Orchestras’ statement of solidarity with Ukrainians and the belief that music at its very core stands for humanity, peace, freedom of expression, and for coming together above personal difference. As a sector we will continue to use our voice and our art to stand up for dignity and safety in the face of oppression.”
Zhang, who is currently traveling, was not available for comment.
Russia continued its attack on Ukraine killing thousands of people. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force that almost 100 children have been killed since the start of the invasion, CNN reported.
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