The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. Photo courtesy of Stephens Auditorium.

Ames, IA – The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association continues its proud tradition of bringing major symphony orchestras from around the globe. The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine (LNPOV) will play at Stephens Auditorium on Friday, March 3, 2023. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, December 21, at 12 pm.

The program will feature Brahms – Tragic Overture, Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor Op 15 and Dvorak – Symphony No. 9 (New World) in E Minor Op 95 with soloist Oksana Rapita. Rapita, one of the most prominent Ukrainian pianists of the present day, tours extensively abroad and has performed in more than 20 premieres of Ukrainian and foreign composers.

Led by the dynamic and award-winning Ukrainian American conductor, Maestro Theodore Kuchar, the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine is one of the nation’s largest and most internationally renowned ensembles and is based in the medieval city of Lviv, Ukraine. Kuchar was appointed the Principal Conductor of the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine in 2002 after serving two seasons as the orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor. He has served as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of two of Europe’s leading orchestras, The National Symphony of Ukraine and the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra (formerly the Czech Radio Orchestra). It’s a return visit for Kuchar, who conducted the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (Kiev) on the Stephens stage in 2017.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to Ames and supporting these musicians and this orchestra,” said David Stuart, AIOFA’s Board Chair. “It’s a really strong program of eastern and western European composers that have been influencers for hundreds of years. It’s a crowd-pleasing program that will delight our Ames and Central Iowa audience members.”

This performance is made possible with the support of the City of Ames Commission on the Arts and the Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA).

Lviv’s history began in 1902 and has had many famous composers as guest conductors (Wagner, Ravel, etc.) throughout its time. The Orchestra is known for its message of hope during its country’s time of war and instability, and the ensemble’s resilience stands as a testament to its determination and the timelessness of the great works it performs with vitality, distinction, and artistry. As part of this tour, the Orchestra will also play at New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Washington DC’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Iowa State Center Ticket Office: Located at the north entrance of Stephens Auditorium at the corner of Lincoln Way and Beach Avenue. Hours are 11 am – 4 pm Monday-Friday and 90 minutes before show time.