We dedicate our concert to the people of Ukraine for their incredible courage, tenacity, and brilliant creativity in the face of unspeakable horrors, and for their fierce determination to fight for their people and their beloved homeland.
A PRAYER FOR UKRAINE
Composed by Mykola Lysenko
Lyrics by Olek Konysky
Felix Mendelssohn
(1809 – 1847)
FROM ELIJAH, OP. 70
HEAR YE, ISRAEL
BE NOT AFRAID
(Soprano soloist, choir, and piano)
Kim Markworth, Soprano
Connor Bennion, Piano
PSALM 115, OP. 31
(Soloists, choir, and orchestra)
Ibidunni Ojikutu, Soprano
Jason Parker, Tenor
Mark Davies, Baritone
VERLEIH UNS FRIEDEN GNÄDIGLICH
(GRANT US PEACE), OP. 5
(Choir and orchestra)
INTERMISSION
Felix Mendelssohn
HYMNE, OP. 96
(DREI GEISTLICHE LIEDER)
(Soprano soloist, choir, and orchestra)
Ibidunni Ojikutu, Soprano
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770–1827)
CHORAL FANTASY
(FANTASIE FÜR KLAVIER, CHOR UND ORCHESTER), OP.80
Henry From, Piano
Soloists:
Ibidunni Ojikutu, Soprano 1
Mary Somerville, Soprano 2
Amy Nielsen, Alto
Jason Parker, Tenor 1
Connor Bennion, Tenor 2
Mark Davies, Bass
A Prayer for Ukraine
(Translation by Anna Lockwood)
Lord, oh the Great and Almighty,
Protect our beloved Ukraine,
Bless her with freedom and light
Of your holy rays.
With learning and knowledge enlighten us,
Your children small,
In love pure and everlasting
Let us, oh Lord, grow.
We pray, oh Lord Almighty,
Protect our beloved Ukraine,
Grant our people and country
All your kindness and grace.
Bless us with freedom,
Bless us with wisdom,
Guide (us) into (a) kind world,
Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune
Forever and ever more.
(Translations from German by Garland Richmond)
Felix Mendelssohn, from Elijah, Op. 70
Hear Ye, Israel (Soprano Aria)
Hear ye, Israel; hear what the Lord speaketh: “Oh, hadst thou heeded my commandments!” Who hath believed our report? To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him oppressed by tyrants, thus saith the Lord: “I am He that comforteth; be not afraid, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee. Say, who art thou, that thou art afraid of a man that shall die, and forgettest the Lord thy maker, who hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the earth’s foundations? Be not afraid, for I, thy God, will strengthen thee.” Isaiah 48:1, 18, 53:1, 49:7, 41:10, 51:12,13
Be Not Afraid (Chorus)
“Be not afraid,” saith God the Lord, “Be not afraid, thy help is near.” God, the Lord thy God, sayeth unto thee, “Be not afraid!” Though thousands languish and fall beside thee, and tens of thousands around thee perish, yet still it shall not come nigh thee. Isaiah 41: 10 / Psalms 91: 7
Psalm 115, Op. 30
Not our name, Lord, but only Your holy name be honored. Let the light of Your grace and glory and truth surround us. Let the heathen not say “Where is the power of their god?” Our God is in Heaven; He can do whatever He wishes.
In You is Israel’s hope for protection in times of need. You are their helper; you alone are their savior. Verily the Lord is mindful of us, and He blesses his children, for He blesses the house of Aaron, and all people, great and small, who fear His name.
May he bless you more and more, and your house and all your children.
The dead, all those who are gone down into the silence, will not praise You, Lord, but we, who still live, praise You from the beginning to the end of time. Hallelujah!
Grant Us Thy Peace
Graciously grant us thy peace in our time, Lord; there is no other than You our God who can defend us.
Three Spiritual Songs
No. 1
O Lord, let me find help, hear my petition through Your grace.
Will You be ever mindful of my sins, from which I can never be absolved?
Shall my troubles last forever?
Shall my enemies mock me?
Shall I despair weak and helpless, forgotten by You?
No. 2
Hear Your child’s prayer, Father,
look down on me;
give me light to see,
save me from the dark grave,
or else the enemy will mock my poor soul mercilessly,
triumphing in proud splendor, and
laughing Your might to scorn.
No. 3
Lord, we trust in Your kindness that saves us miraculously,
And we sing hymns to You in joyful gratitude.
Ludwig van Beethoven, Choral Fantasy
Flatteringly sweet and lovely our lives' harmonies ring out, and from our sense of beauty flowers arise that eternally bloom. Peace and joy move together, like the alternating play of waves; that which seemed harsh and hostile transforms itself into inspiration. When the magic of music prevails, and the sacredness of poetry is heard, magnificent things are formed, night and storms turn into light. Outer calm and inner joy prevail for the happy person; indeed, the spring sunshine of the arts changes sorrow into light. Greatness, deep in the heart, blooms anew then, rising up in beauty. When a spirit arises, it is always answered by a chorus of spirits. Therefore, happily accept, you beautiful souls, the gifts of beautiful art. If love and strength join together, humanity is rewarded by the favor of the gods.
