On March 26, 2022, the Santa Cruz Chorale held a benefit concert to raise money for the charity “Save the Children” in Ukraine. The event was held at the Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz. For only the second time in Holy Cross Church history, the entire venue was filled, standing room only. The event was also streamed globally to people as far away as Singapore. In one hour, the audience was elevated with the healing power of music, including the Gregorian “Da Pacem Domine;” Psalm settings from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,”; “Shalom Aleichem,” by Aldema; The “Agnus Dei” from Josquin’s Missa da Pacem; “Call to Remembrance,” by Farrant and “Cantique de Jean Racine,” by Fauré. The audience was invited to add their voices at the end of the concert to “Dona Nobis Pacem.”

“Having lived through the war in Germany as a child, seeing the faces of traumatized children, surrounded by devastation and hiding behind their mothers skirts brings back memories of that kind. In addition, my wife and I lost our home and all our belongings in the CZU fire, and we are experiencing the impact of that loss on a daily basis. Watching images on TV of the unbelievable tragedy unfolding in Ukraine makes us all feel absolutely helpless. But when a friend of the Santa Cruz Chorale, Julia Fuerst, suggested that the Chorale might sing a benefit concert for Ukraine, it made me realize that, with music, we are not helpless—and the entire Chorale wholeheartedly agrees! Our concert will give the community an opportunity to demonstrate their support for the Ukrainian cause with generous financial donations that help alleviate the suffering—while the healing power of music will hopefully help lift our own spirits.” Conductor and artistic director Christian Grube

$34,000 Raised

A letter to Santa Cruz on behalf of Niel Warren / Santa Cruz Chorale

Dear Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Chorale wishes to thank all of the people of Santa Cruz who contributed to the success of our fundraising concert for the children of Ukraine. Thanks to Holy Cross Church for hosting us and ensuring that we had no costs. All money collected will go to Save the Children earmarked for Ukraine relief. Due to the generosity of a very large number of people in Santa Cruz (as well as friends from other places) we raised over $34,000. In addition to the people on the stage, many others worked behind the scenes to make the concert happen, but the biggest thanks goes to each one of you who donated. Truly, together we make a difference.