National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine to perform at Mann Hall
Community Concert part of the season dedicated to the late Frank Mann
While here in America, we have dealt with many divisions — be they electoral, pandemic-related or social and cultural, they can sometimes pale in comparison to the plight of a country like Ukraine which has faced daily bombardments from the onslaught of its neighbor, the Russian Federation.
Ukraine’s defense of its own existence from the invasion of Russia has united many Americans who were once divided. The fight for freedom has long been a cause that unites Americans.
Music also has the power to unite and on Jan. 16 the time-tested force of classical music will be brought to Fort Myers by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine for a performance that is sure to be electric at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College.
Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann said the philharmonic was booked to play the show two years in advance. So when a full-scale war broke out earlier this year and Russia stepped up its attacks on its neighbor with a full-scale invasion, Mann said, “We were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to come.”
Mann said the State Department is sponsoring the performance by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, ensuring they will be able to make it.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Mann said.
Mann said the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine played in Fort Myers a few years ago and was “a crowd pleaser.”
Mann said the majority of the hall’s 1,800 seats are taken by seasonal memberships but “there are still lots of good seats available,” Mann said. “A lot of people have called and asked” about the show.
The Barbara B. Mann Hall Performing Arts Hall will also be graced by another special guest 10 days earlier when the New York Philharmonic String Quartet performs Jan. 8.
“We have two outstanding orchestras that will be playing for us to begin the season, followed by three more in February and March. We are so happy to back with a full slate of performances for our 2023 season,” Mann said.
The shows this season are dedicated to Mary Lee’s late husband Frank Mann, the former state legislator and county commissioner and son of Barbara B. Mann.
“This season is dedicated to his memory,” Mann said.
“He loved it,” Mann said of the late Mann’s affinity for the shows held by the Community Concert Association.
“He and his brother Pat were there for the first concerts,” she said.
A memorial fund has been set up in his name to support the Community Concert Association shows. Frank Mann played several instruments including the piano, guitar, standup bass, baritone horn, trumpet and enjoyed singing in his church choir. He also played in a bluegrass band.
“He liked many types of music,” Mann said. “He was an enthusiastic audience member.”
Mann worked with her mother-in-law, Barbara B. Mann, for 25 years in putting on concerts through the Community Concert Association.
“She was somebody who you could learn an awful lot from,” she said.
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet consists of four principal musicians from the orchestra. The group, formed in 2017, made its debut as a solo ensemble in John Adams’ Absolute Jest in New York in 2017. All four members are multiple prize winners, and have appeared as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and orchestras throughout the world. They are joined by acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen, winner of the 2017 American Pianist Award.
The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was established in 1902 and has hosted some of the world’s greatest conductors and musicians in classical music. The orchestra is a regular participant in international festivals, has toured extensively around the world and recently completed several highly acclaimed recordings.
Mann said it “is heartbreaking” to watch the struggle of the Ukrainian people.
“It’s so inspiring to see their commitment to their country and preserving their identity,” she said.
Tickets are now on sale for each performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers. Prices are $55 for orchestra and mezzanine seats, $35 for lower balcony seats and $25 for upper balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased at the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at 239-481-4849 or visit www.bbmannpah.com.
Both performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 73rd concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices. The association consists of more than 1,200 members, underwriters and sponsors.
To support the Fort Myers Community Concert Association, you can mail a check to:
Fort Myers Community
Concert Association
P. O. Box 606
Fort Myers, FL 33902
Telephone: 239-693-4849
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers