Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra readies for U.S. premiere of Ukrainian symphony

Music often reflects an artist’s current or past experiences and feelings. But Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak’s Symphony No. 2, written in 2009, could have been a premonition of the devastating 2022 Russian invasion of her homeland.

This symphony is “very emotional. It’s very dark music,” said Michael Korn, music director of the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra. The nonprofit civic symphony, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year, will perform the U.S. premiere of Symphony No. 2 and two other pieces at its March 30 concert.

Korn, who has been with the WPO since 2009, said after he discovered Frolyak’s music, he contacted her in Lviv, Ukraine, and “she very graciously agreed for us to perform.”

“It is an honor for me that my symphony will [be performed] in Waltham. It will be [the] U.S. premiere,” said Frolyak when contacted in Ukraine. “I am happy [there is] so much interest in my music and especially … this symphony, because it is one of the most important pieces for me.”

The piece has two movements rather than the typical four, which results in a relatively short half-hour long symphony, according to Korn. The first movement is dramatic, he said, while the second is “very somber, very reflective,” almost like a requiem.

Asked why he decided to feature Frolyak’s work, Korn said, “I think it’s important to play Ukrainian music, music by a woman composer, music that is contemporary.”

He said that the WPO only holds four concerts each year and that members want to include diverse artists.

“We have a very strong record when it comes to playing music by women composers,” said Korn.

The show will also feature two other pieces, including a “Back to the Future” suite. Korn said they picked this composition because along with the 40^th anniversary of the WPO, it’s also the 40th anniversary of the movie.

“It’s a very celebratory sounding piece of music,” he said.

The last piece is Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, performed by soloist and Waltham resident Lillian Arnold Mages.

Music and war

Frolyak, 57, who completed her first composition at age 14, said she has written 80 musical works so far.

Born and raised in Ukraine, she is a pianist and professor of composition at the Lviv National Music Academy. 

Although living in a war-torn country, she has found a way to continue creating music.

“Every artist has a different response to the situation. Some stop creating completely, due to the horrors of war. And this is, I think, a natural reaction,” said Frolyak in a response she previously provided to others asking a similar question. “As for myself, my creative work saves me. After an initial shock at the beginning of the war and a pause, I’m back to work, and I work a lot, because there’s a realization of the shortness of life. You realize that tomorrow might never come. So, I create while I’m alive. This is my philosophy.”

This is not the first time Korn has chosen to feature a composer whose work shares a connection with Ukraine. A previous WPO concert featured the world premiere of Russian Jewish composer Roman Stolyar’s work, which was created in memory of Ukrainian war victims.

“This war took away from us (and, especially, from our sons who are still young) the possibility to just live, to work, to love, to create,” said Frolyak. “But however [tragic] this may sound, the war gave a chance to, each of us, to look deep into ourselves and to be who we truly are. To find in oneself a place for good, compassion, quiet understanding, for tears. To not let evil enter our souls. And to direct all our energy to a prayer for those who defend us, for their safe return to home, to Ukraine. And for the souls of those who laid down their lives for Ukraine.”

Concert information

The next Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra concert will take place on March 30, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Waltham Government Center, 119 School St. The performance will feature:

Silvestri: Back to the Future Suite

Bohdana Frolyak: Symphony No. 2 (U.S. premiere)

Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 – performed by Lillian Arnold Mages, soloist

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra’s 40^th Anniversary Concert is coming up on May 10, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the American Legion Post 156, 215 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham. The gala program will include operetta music and singers plus a tribute to the orchestra and Waltham.

For more information on both shows, visit https://www.wphil.org/events/