On Thursday, May 11, 52 students performed Ukrainian mu- sic in the Hess Auditorium. The concert raised awareness about current events in Ukraine and supported the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. All the pieces were written by influential Ukrainian composers such as Valentyn Silvestrov, a revered composer and pianist, and Ukrainian student Alisa Stepchuk ’23. Other student-led groups including The Deerfield Cellos, Deerfield Community Chorus, and the Deerfield Saxophone Ensemble collaborated to make the concert a success.
With regards to the role of music in social movements, Stepchuk said, “I feel that music is a very powerful tool [because] it is a piece of art and a cry from the heart. The recent victory of Ukraine on Eurovision is a key moment in this fight [against] genocide and dicta- torship.”
The young musicians in the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine were forced to flee their homes due to the war in Ukraine. Over 12 million Ukrainians have been displaced, 90% of them being women and children.
However, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is not letting the events in Ukraine stop their music. Currently, the group is asking for donations to perform at the Beethovenfest in August. During spring term, Deerfield musicians worked to rehearse 13 songs, including Ukraine’s national anthem. Each musician also conducted studies about the composer, message, and background of each piece.
Stepchuk reflected, “The concert was a great opportunity to showcase my original songs and perform for people I know and who appreciate my art. A lot of artists, writers and musicians were stolen from Ukrainian history the same way Russia is trying to steal our land and wipe out our culture now.”
Director of Music Thomas Bergeron acknowledged that “it can be difficult for us here in Deerfield to fully understand the tragedy facing Ukrainian youth,” he said. Mr. Bergeron said he hopes by educating the community through music, there will be a greater degree of awareness and education surrounding the tragedies in the Ukraine.
Daphne Huang ’25, one of the performers, said, “Music is just another way for us to understand [other] culture[s] more holistically.” By communicating important messages through music, artists are able to transcend language barriers and connect people across the globe. Stepchuk expressed that it is not an individual’s duty to educate everyone around them, but to first educate themselves and spread positive awareness.
All of the musicians’ hard work culminated in a meaningful performance that the audience was able to connect with. Edie Huffard ’25, who attended the concert, said, “I thought it was a great way to both appreciate Ukrainian composers and listen to music that I otherwise might not have seen.”
Mr. Bergeron explained that Deerfield chose to spread awareness about Ukraine through music because it is “a universal language which connects humankind.” With so much divide, music connects communities of people while supporting issues around the world.
Specifically for Deerfield, Stepchuk believes it is vital that stu- dents and teachers educate themselves about the crisis in Ukraine because, “the war is affecting every part of Ukrainian society and every part of our lives—this is why art can’t be apolitical,” she said, “Boarding schools are a place for an elite that can make tangible change. It is important this elite is educated and active, especially because Deerfield has actual power to raise awareness, bring connections, and start conversations.”