Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus begins its seventh tour of the United States (10/10/04)

Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus begins its seventh tour of the United States

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (KSOC), established in Ukraine by Dr. Roger McMurrin in 1993, has undertaken its seventh tour of the United States. The current tour, which commenced October 1 in San Clemente, Calif., features appearances in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. The final concert of the tour will be be held November 3 in Postville, Iowa.

Dr. McMurrin's goal in founding the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus was to introduce Ukrainian audiences to the great masterpieces of Western classical music, especially those that were forbidden in the country during the 70 years of Soviet rule. Since 1993 the KSOC has grown into the largest private orchestra-choral group in Ukraine, comprising 100 singers and 65 orchestra players.

Dr. McMurrin, who has worked with musicians around the world, notes that when he is asked what he thinks of Ukrainian musicians, his reply is that "Ukraine has some of the finest instrumental and vocal talent in the world..."

In the course of 11 years the KSOC has given over 200 concerts and recorded 14 CD's. Their repertoire includes Handel's "Messiah," Bach's Mass in B Minor and "Magnificat," the Requiems of Verdi, Mozart, Berlioz, Duruflé and Fauré, the Glorias of Poulenc and Rutter, Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis" and Ninth Symphony, music by George Gershwin and Aaron Copland, Christmas carols and African-American spirituals.

Their concert programs include not only great Western classics, but also the rich musical heritage of Ukraine, including such renowned composers as Dmytro Bortniansky (1751-1825).

Churches are vital partners on these tours. They welcome the KSOC to their communities, house the musicians and provide halls for the concerts.

To date, concert performances on this tour have been held in California in the following cities and towns: San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Garden Grove, Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano, El Cajon, Escondido and San Diego.

The concert tour continues with performances on October 11 in Santa Ana, Calif., at the Calvary Church, followed by appearances in Arizona: Tucson, First United Methodist Church (October 12); Flagstaff, Trinity Heights First United Methodist Church, (October 13); Tucson, Catalina Foothills Church (October 15) ; Prescott, American Evangelical Lutheran Church, (October 17); Mesa, Love of Christ Lutheran Church, (October 19); and Scottsdale, Chaparrel High School Auditorium, (October 21).

Additional concerts will be held in Albuquerque, N.M., at St. John's United Methodist Church (October 22) and in Lubbock, Texas, First United Methodist Church (October 24).

Performances are scheduled in Colorado at the following locations: Colorado Springs, First United Methodist Church (October 26); Boulder, First Presbyterian Church (October 28); Fort Collins, Faith Evangelical Free Church (October 29); and Englewood, Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (October 31).

THe KSOC will appear in Norfolk, Neb., at the Johnny Carson Theater (November 1); in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at River of Life Ministries (November 2); and Postville, Iowa, at the Fine Arts and Civic Center (November 3).

For additional information on concert performances in the various states check local listings. For more information on the KSOC visit www.musicmissionkiev.org.

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