They came out dressed in black with blue and yellow ribbons on their chests, took their seats, and the show began. The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra decided to hold a charity concert on April 9 in honor of the defenders of Ukraine.

 

Before the start, four members of the Hromada community and four members of the New Ukraine organization were invited as guests of honor. We were given a table in the lobby to display informational materials: leaflets, newspapers, announcements, badges, and flags. People approached us, asked about the news, expressed their support, took materials, and made donations. Right in the foyer, a quartet of orchestra musicians performed several melodies by Ukrainian composers, and the hall erupted in applause.

 

At 7:30 p.m., a concert dedicated to Ukraine began. An orchestra musician whose relatives are from Odesa took the stage. She shared her experiences of the war, her anxiety about the fate of her relatives, and her gratitude for the support of friends from around the world. She received warm applause. Then the conductor, six-time Grammy Award winner Giancarlo Guerrero, took the stage. He bowed to the audience, raised his hands, and the first chords of the Ukrainian national anthem rang out over the hall. The audience stood up, placed their hands on their hearts, and sang along with the orchestra.

 

Then the symphony began — a true musical journey. The light sound of the instruments resembled the murmur of a stream, the singing of birds, the rustle of the wind. Then waves of sound grew, transporting listeners to wheat fields, then to centuries-old oak forests, and then to the very hell of war. The music reproduced explosions, destruction, screams, and cries, and then a tremulous silence that burst into a volcano of emotions and anger toward the enemy.

 

The sounds became threatening, then desperate, reminiscent of battle, the destruction of the enemy, the sinking of an enemy ship. In the finale, there was a transparent silence, symbolizing the long-awaited peace. The hall fell silent, then erupted in applause. People applauded for a long time while standing, calling the conductor and orchestra members back for several bows.

 

When the concert ended, the emotions lingered with the audience for a long time. We talked quietly, shared our experiences, and went outside. The evening chill fell upon us, and everyday life reminded us of itself, but a spark of faith and confidence remained in our hearts. Confidence that Ukraine will prevail, stand firm, be reborn, and resound with symphonies of happiness.

 

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!