When Music Becomes the Voice of Mercy Charity Concert at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago

On Sunday, October 11, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago was filled with beautiful music, special warmth, and a sincere sense of unity. On this day, art became not only a source of aesthetic pleasure but also an expression of humanity, compassion, and concern for the fate of those who need our help the most.

The talented musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago performed Franz Schubert's magnificent Octet – a work of extraordinary beauty, harmony, and emotional depth. The atmosphere was further enriched by the Choir Glorious, a creative resident of our Institute, under the direction of conductor Bohdana Chepil. The music spoke to each of us in its own way. It contained light, sadness, and hope. It reminded us that even in the most challenging times, beauty can unite people and awaken the best in the human heart.

In Memory of Orysia Cardoso

I had the honor of hosting this concert, and in my opening remarks, I fondly remembered our dear Orysia Cardoso, the long-time head of the board of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, who recently passed away. Orysia sincerely loved music, was immensely dedicated to the Institute, and devoted many years of her life to its development. I often thought about how she would have rejoiced knowing that our galleries were filled with wonderful music and that people gathered together for such a noble cause. In her memory, Myroslav Skoryk's "Melody" was performed. For me, it was a particularly moving moment – a moment of gratitude, remembrance, and the realization that people who dedicate their lives to serving culture and the community leave behind a legacy that continues to live on.

For the Children Who Cannot Be Forgotten

The main goal of our concert was to support the children's hospice "City of Goodness" in Chernivtsi, founded by Marta Levchenko, where children with severe illnesses, including cancer, as well as children whose lives have been shattered by war, find shelter, medical care, and attention.

Today, our focus is understandably on Ukraine's struggle for freedom and independence. We help the military, support the wounded, displaced persons, and families of the deceased. And this is extremely important. But there are children who fight their quiet, almost invisible battle every day. They cannot wait for the war to end. They need medicine today. They need oxygen, medical care, the warmth of human hands, and the constant presence of someone who will take care of them. 

Some of these children have no parents. Others have lost their homes, survived shelling, evacuation, and severe trials. And there are those for whom the greatest gift is another day without pain, a day spent in care and love.

Knowing about the activities of the "City of Goodness" and the children who find refuge and care there, I felt a deep need to contribute to the assistance. That is why I wanted the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art to support this noble cause. I believed that we could combine the power of art with the power of human compassion, turning a beautiful musical concert into an opportunity to truly help children. For me, it was not just a desire to organize another cultural event. It was a personal aspiration to do something for children who fight severe illnesses every day and so desperately need our attention, care, and love.

A Touching Story by Oksana Taratula

A particularly touching moment of the concert was the speech by Oksana Taratula, founder, former president, and advisory director of the Ukrainian Women's Association of America (UWAA), who spoke about the organization's long-standing activities and its support of the children's hospice "Butterfly House" in the "City of Goodness," emphasizing: "I had the opportunity to personally see these children, their suffering, and the extremely difficult circumstances in which they live. Such encounters change a person. After them, it is impossible to simply return to normal life and forget what you have seen."

Ms. Oksana's story and a short video opened up to the audience the world of children whose lives are marked by severe illnesses, war, losses, and trials that are hard to even imagine. At the same time, they reminded us of the extraordinary power of human love and dedication of those who care for these children every day, giving them not only medical assistance but also a sense of safety, family warmth, and human dignity. The children's faces, their vulnerability, and at the same time incredible strength remain in our minds. And there comes a deep understanding of how much simple human care, a gentle touch, a kind word, the presence of someone who will not leave them alone can mean to a seriously ill child.

I am sincerely impressed by the dedication of Oksana Taratula and over forty members of the UWAA organization, for whom helping these children has become not just a public activity but a matter of the heart. Thanks to such people, mercy ceases to be just a beautiful word; it becomes daily work that changes children's destinies. It is especially important to remember that the "City of Goodness" does not receive state funding and largely depends on charitable support. The war has further complicated its activities. The costs of medical equipment, medicines, electricity, and daily care are increasing, and many Ukrainian benefactors who previously helped are now themselves in difficult circumstances due to the war. But a child's life cannot wait. Illness does not take a break during the war. And the need for mercy does not disappear even when the world's attention is focused on other tragedies.

Recognition of 55 Years of Service to Ukrainian Culture

The presence of the Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, Kostiantyn Vorona, at the concert was especially pleasant and significant. In his address, he emphasized the importance of supporting the children of Ukraine, especially those who, in the conditions of war and severe illnesses, need our attention and help the most.

This day was also a special occasion for pride for our Institute. The Consul General solemnly presented the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art with an honorary diploma on the occasion of its 55th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence for its significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian cultural heritage and art. As the president of the Institute, I accepted this award with deep gratitude. For me, it was not only a recognition of the many years of work of our institution but also a tribute to its founders, artists, benefactors, board members, and all those who have faithfully supported its mission for 55 years. It was especially symbolic to receive this award during a charity concert. After all, it reminded us that serving Ukrainian culture is not only about preserving our artistic heritage but also a living responsibility to Ukraine and its people.

Joint Efforts for Good

The concert was held in collaboration with the Ukrainian Women's Association of America (UWAA), which has been helping the most vulnerable children of Ukraine for many years. All proceeds from the concert and charitable donations are intended to support the "City of Goodness." Thanks to the generosity of our guests and benefactors, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is donating $7,490 to help the children of the "City of Goodness."

I am sincerely grateful to the musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago, who gave us their talent and time for this noble cause, to the Choir Glorious and its conductor Bohdana Chepil, to the organizers, benefactors, and everyone who contributed to the concert. A special thanks to everyone who came to the Institute that day not only to listen to beautiful music but also to open their hearts to children they may never meet in person. This is the true power of charity – to help not because we know the person, but because we feel their pain and understand our responsibility to them.

When Art Becomes Something More

For 55 years, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art has been a meeting place for art, culture, and community. Founded by Ukrainian emigrant artists, it has become an important part of Chicago's cultural life and a bridge between Ukraine, America, and the world. We are proud of our role in preserving, developing, and presenting Ukrainian and contemporary art. But I am deeply convinced that the mission of a cultural institution is not limited to exhibitions, concerts, or art programs. Art has the power not only to move but also to inspire action, awaken compassion, and unite people. That is how I felt about our Institute that Sunday. For me, this concert was much more than a cultural event. It was a day when music, memory, love for Ukraine, and human kindness came together in one common impulse. When I looked at the audience, listened to the beautiful music, and thought about the children for whom we gathered, one feeling never left me: how important it is that among all our daily concerns, we do not lose the ability to see the pain of others.

We cannot change all the tragic circumstances in which these children live today. We cannot cure every illness or return every child to a lost family. But we can ease suffering, help provide necessary care, and give a little more warmth and human attention.

I believe that the true value of our concert is measured not only by the beauty of the music performed or the generosity of donations. It also lies in the fact that we were able to remind each other of the children whose voices are rarely heard over the loud news of war. Because among all the trials that Ukraine is experiencing today, we have no right to forget about the weakest and most defenseless. If, thanks to our joint efforts, even one child receives the necessary help, feels more warmth, care, and love, then everything we have done was not in vain. And above all, I wanted one simple but extremely important message to reach the children of the "City of Goodness" from our Institute, from distant Chicago: "We remember you. You are not alone. And you are loved!"

P.S. Support and help for the "City of Goodness" are needed daily to provide treatment, care, and attention to seriously ill children. Every donation matters: https://www.uwaahelp.org/

Photo: UIMA