Chicago Benefit Concert Supports City of Goodness and Ukraine’s Children

Musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra perform at UIMA’s October 11, 2026, benefit for City of Goodness.

Musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra and Choir Glorious brought the Chicago community together on Sunday, October 11, 2026, for a benefit concert supporting City of Goodness in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Held at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) in partnership with the Ukrainian Women’s Association of America (UWAA), the event welcomed approximately 50 guests to help children facing war, displacement, and serious illness.

The concert took place from 12:30 p.m. to approximately 2 p.m. at UIMA, 2320 West Chicago Avenue. Guests gathered among the gallery’s artworks for an afternoon that connected music, Ukrainian culture, and practical support for vulnerable children.

Lyric Opera Musicians and Choir Glorious Perform

The instrumental program opened with Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s Melodiya, a poignant beginning to an afternoon dedicated to compassion and care.

Following the orchestra musicians’ performance, Choir Glorious, UIMA’s artists in residence, continued the musical program. Their voices carried forward the gathering’s shared purpose: standing beside Ukraine’s children through the hardships of war.

Choir Glorious, UIMA’s artists in residence, performs at the Chicago benefit concert for Ukraine’s children.

The photographs and performance video accompanying this post capture moments from the afternoon, including the musicians performing in the gallery, remarks from the podium, and the choir gathered before the audience.

Watch a moment from the afternoon’s performance in UIMA’s gallery.

Community Leaders Call for Compassion and Action

Motria Melnyk, president of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, thanked guests for opening their hearts and helping turn the beauty of music into meaningful assistance. She introduced Oksana Taratula, UWAA’s founder, former president, and advisory director, recognizing her dedication and the organization’s work for children in Ukraine.

Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago Constantine Vorona also thanked everyone for attending. Reflecting on the lessons of today’s world, he emphasized the importance of relying on ourselves and one another, and urged the community to continue supporting Ukraine’s children.

Taratula thanked the Institute, performers, organizers, and guests. She described the belief at the heart of UWAA’s mission: no child should have to face suffering alone.

That commitment has become especially urgent as war takes away children’s parents, homes, and sense of safety. Children living with cancer, other life-threatening illnesses, or disabilities face additional challenges as their families navigate displacement and disrupted access to care.

Oksana Taratula’s remarks at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art connect the afternoon’s music with support for children in Ukraine.

Supporting City of Goodness in Chernivtsi, Ukraine

Sunday’s benefit supported City of Goodness, also known as Misto Dobra, through UWAA. Located in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, the sanctuary provides shelter and care for vulnerable children and families. Its children’s hospice offers medical and palliative care for children with complex needs.

Drawing on her own visit to City of Goodness, Taratula described how meeting the children made their needs impossible to forget. Her message centered on hope and the everyday acts of care that make hope tangible.

Hope can mean a nurse staying beside a child through the night. It can mean relief from pain, a safe place to sleep, or the reassurance that someone will be there.

We cannot cure every illness or erase every loss. But we can help ensure that children receive comfort, dignity, and companionship through their suffering. Taratula’s remarks reminded those gathered that hope requires action.

UWAA’s Work for Children Facing Cancer and War

Alongside its support for City of Goodness, UWAA supports EVUM, a nonprofit in Ukraine that helps children with cancer access medical treatment and assistance with its costs.

These efforts share a common purpose: helping children receive care and protection despite the disruption of war. Learn more about UWAA’s support for City of Goodness and pediatric cancer care.

Partner With UWAA or Donate to Help Children in Ukraine

We thank the musicians from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra, Choir Glorious, Motria Melnyk and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Consul General Constantine Vorona, and every organizer, volunteer, guest, and donor who made this gathering possible.

Your participation turned an afternoon of music into an act of care for Ukraine’s children.

Interested in organizing a benefit concert, fundraiser, or another community project with UWAA? Complete our partnership form to tell us about your idea.

You can also donate to support children in Ukraine, helping UWAA continue its work with City of Goodness and children who need medical care.