Sunday is the monthly lunch concert again in the Ontmoetingskerk, on the Klapwijkseweg in Pijnacker. This time with music from ‘VitaDuo’ consisting of Vitaly Vatulya (saxophone) and Maria Nemtsova (piano/violin). A special musical duo at this time when the battle between Ukraine and Russia dominates the world news.

Vitaly was born and raised in Ukraine and Maria is Russian. Both have been in the Netherlands since 2016 and they abhor what is happening in Ukraine now. Especially since they have a lot of family members who still live in Ukraine and are uncertain about their future.

They hope that music can help reduce the suffering that is taking place now. Years ago, together with others, they started the ‘Music for Peace’ project. This project helps young musicians living in conflict areas to pursue their musical hobby. During the concert, they themselves will explain the works to be played.

Both as a duo and individually, they have won many prizes. They have already played in more than 50 important music cities in the world. From Carnegie Hall in New York to the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre and via Tel Aviv, Prague and Vienna to the Philharmonic Concert Hall in Vilnius and the Bruckner House in Linz. The Ontmoetingskerk in Pijnacker will now be added to this impressive list. How wonderful is that?

In view of their involvement in Ukraine, the concert will include a work by the Ukrainian composer Maxim Shalygin, who has been working in the Netherlands for many years, entitled ‘Angel’. As organisation we have decided to donate the net proceeds of the collection after the concert to ‘giro 555’.

As is well known, admission is free and the present appetite can be satisfied beforehand with a tasty sandwich. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to discuss the event over a drink. The concert starts at 12 noon and lasts about an hour. Hall open at 11.40 am. Welcome!