By Katie Vasquez
The notes on this organ fill Our Lady of Refuge Church in Flatbush with music from Ukraine.
A reminder of home for musician Daria Maksymova.
“I would like to share my culture and to share my experience,” said Maksymova.
The organist and pianist, along with baritone singer, Andrii Koshman are in New York for an amazing opportunity, interning at the Metropolitan Opera House.
“It was my dream to participate in this internship program,” said Koshman.
But as the symphony of music and singing builds in the church, they can’t help thinking of the sorrow back home.
“I’m all the time on the phone with my family, and suddenly you want to start crying, but you need to go on stage,” said Maksymova.
On Sunday, for the first time, President Biden authorized the use of powerful US long range weapons for Ukraine to fire inside Russia.
“It was really a disaster in Ukraine, a lot of missiles were in our air,” said Koshman.
While the concert was free, Daria and Andrii urged attendees to contribute to Ukraine Catholic University which has become a key figure in the war, helping veterans and civilians deal with trauma and mental health.
Although she lives in Breezy Point, Ellen McDonald felt called to act.
“If there’s any way we can help to rehabilitate these young men and the people that have been injured in this war, that in itself is a gift,” said McDonald.
As the war continues, Daria and Andrii will keep playing for peace in their homeland.
“I hope that it will end soon,” said Koshman.
“We are going through hard times, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t have light at the end of the tunnel,” said Maksymova.
Both will be returning to Ukraine once their internship ends in December.
If you would like to help, visit Ukraine Catholic University’s foundation website at:
https://ucufoundation.org/donate