Classical musicians tune up for Ukraine

Top classical musicians will feature at a Ukraine fundraiser to be held at St Peter’s Hall in Paeka¯ka¯riki on Saturday.

“Classical music has always been an essential element of Ukrainian culture, so we will be celebrating and honouring that,” organiser Helen Keivom said.

The programme features strings, piano and accordion, and has been organised by deputy mayor Janet Holborow.

Solos by Zephyr Wills on viola and accordion player Rebekah Greig will be accompanied by images of Ukrainian musicians.

“Classical musicians from around the world have rallied to support the people of Ukraine, and I’m happy to be playing a part in the global response locally,” Wills said.

A former Ka¯piti College student, Wills has been a finalist in the National Secondary Schools Chamber Music Competition and has a Bachelor of Music degree in performance viola from Victoria University. He won the National Yourh Orchestra Norbert Heuser award in 2021. His recording of a Bach solo cello suite was recently featured on National Radio.

He will be playing a selection from the Bach suites, which have been traditionally a part of the viola repertoire as well.

“The second suite is full of emotion and pathos, and reflects the desperation we all feel on behalf of the people of Ukraine,” he said.

Accordionist Rebekah Greig has played for the French Embassy and Alliance Francais as well as performer and recorded with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She also won the Australasian Accordion Champion as a teenager.

“The accordion is a popular instrument in the Ukraine, so it’s great to be able to have a top accordion player performing,” Keivom said.

Also featuring on accordion will be Melissa Garber, who will be joined by Holborow and violinist Shona Jaunas to play a selection of well-known classical music.

The event also features speakers and traditional Ukrainian food. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets $30 available at eventfinda or Paeka¯ka¯riki Fruit Supply.