Delaware composer Wilson Gault Somers was hailed for his exciting new ensemble version of Requiem for 9/11 last fall. Now, Music With A Mission, Inc. is proud to present a “Concert for Ukraine” that will feature several movements from an exciting new ensemble version of Somers’ original master work, “Mass for the Homeless”. The concert will premiere at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at St. Helena’s Roman Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike in Bellefonte, Delaware. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. 
 

Like Americans everywhere, Maestro Somers and the MWAM leadership have been both appalled and inspired by the happenings in the war in Ukraine. They recognize that the effects of the war and resulting need will extend for years into the future. Mr. Somers also notes that thousands have been left homeless as a result of the war. This work seeks to lift them as it does homeless and downtrodden everywhere. 
Correspondingly, a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Center for Disaster Philanthropy Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund, which provides funding that has a direct and significant impact in meeting the ongoing and ever-expanding humanitarian challenges from the conflict in Ukraine.

Upon the premiere of “Mass for the Homeless” in 1997, Maestro Somers noted that “one of the most dominant lines in the Judeo-Christian tradition is compassion for the poor.” With a need to address the scourge of homelessness right here in our community, Maestro Somers and his wife Joan Walworth Somers created a stirring and evocative work that “owned a piece of their soul.” This new work contains the power and emotion of the original with the clean and economical approach of a small chamber ensemble. What’s more, the story behind the work resonates with the hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Ukraine. The work is as relevant today as ever.
 

About Music with a Mission, Inc.: Music with a Mission, Inc. is (MWAM), a Delaware not-for-profit corporation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the US Internal Revenue Code. MWAM exists to support the creative work of Wilson Gault Somers and other area composers and performers. Significant portions of net retained proceeds from its events are contributed to support important public causes at the local, regional, and national and international level. Learn more at musicwithamission.org 
 

About The Center for Disaster Philanthropy: The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is the only full-time resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact through expert resources, community-driven grantmaking and philanthropic consulting services. CDP has a100 rating in all areas from Charity Navigator. Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Recovery Fund focuses on Medium and Long-Term recovery, a much-needed approach un Ukraine, now and in the future. Learn more at https://disasterphilanthropy.org.