On May 23, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine will host a special concert featuring acclaimed American double bassist James VanDemark, who will perform alongside the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine under the baton of Theodore Kuchar.
The program includes works by Czech classical composers and will feature the world premieres of compositions by Ukrainian composers Mykhailo Shved and Maksym Kolomiyets—pieces commissioned by VanDemark specifically for double bass and orchestra.
“These premieres are a testament to James’s support for Ukrainian creativity. His commissioning and performance of these works, as well as his presence in Ukraine, is a powerful gesture of solidarity,” said Mykhailo Shved, director of the National Philharmonic.
VanDemark shared his longstanding connection to Ukraine, recounting how a Ukrainian family in Canada helped shape his early musical career.
“At 17, I lived in Canada and played in an orchestra. A Ukrainian family took me in and supported my professional growth for a year. This is my way of expressing gratitude and standing with the Ukrainian people in these difficult times,” he said. “My voice is best heard through music.”
Conductor Theodore Kuchar, an American of Ukrainian descent, emphasized the deeper message of musical solidarity:
“We, Ukrainian composers, are truly grateful for this initiative because support like this is vital for us, both in terms of commissioning and performing new works.”
A virtuoso with a broad repertoire and vivid stage presence, VanDemark has performed on the world’s premier stages as a soloist, including with legendary pianist André Watts and top chamber ensembles like the Guarneri and Cleveland Quartets. He is also the first performer listed on numerous modern compositions, including works by Pulitzer Prize-winning composers. The New York Times has praised his “extraordinary gift” and “spontaneous musical instincts” since the early days of his career.
