As part of its 195th anniversary celebration and in recognition of the War in Ukraine, the Allentown Band presents “For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope,” 3 p.m. Aug. 20, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

Net proceeds from the benefit concert are to be donated to Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, according to concert organizers.

“It’s our way of showing support in Ukraine’s time of need,” says Ronald Demkee, Allentown Band Conductor.

“The program is designed to showcase composers and music related to Ukraine, traditional as well as new compositions. The concert also serves to recognize Ukraine Independence Day, Aug. 24,” Demkee says.

Headlining the concert, in addition to the Allentown Band are Patricia Risley, mezzo-soprano; The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, conducted by Dr. Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and Johan de Meij, Guest Conductor.

The concert is to include a video greeting from Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova.

Says Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Miller Symphony Hall Executive Director Al Jacobsen, “Ron [Demkee] and the Allentown Band approached us about co-presenting this concert and we were moved by the idea. As the atrocities in Ukraine continue, we will speak through music and raise funds to support those who need it most in this war.”

Opening the concert are two pieces by Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko, newly-transcribed for band: “Taras Bulba Overture” and “A Prayer for Ukraine.”

The program’s first-half includes “Finlandia, Op. 26” by composer Jean Sibelius. “Finlandia,” composed around the turn of the 20th century, is a “tone poem” that depicts the resilience of people resisting the oppression of a foreign power.

Says Demkee, “One of our special guests is the renowned composer Johan de Meij.

“Most known for his ‘Symphony No. 1,’ nicknamed ‘The Lord of the Rings’ symphony, he previously composed a wonderful piece for the Allentown Band.

“Subsequently, he graciously offered another composition for our Ukraine benefit concert, his ‘Symphony No. 4, Symphony of Songs,’ and we are so pleased that de Meij will be here in person to conduct the piece. It is multi-movement and includes vocalists.

“Mezzo-soprano Patricia Risley, who has previously performed with the band, and the Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem are the featured vocalists [for ‘Symphony No. 4],’” says Demkee.

Rudy Lucente, Assistant Organist at the Grand Court Organ in Macy’s, Philadelphia; Staff Organist of the Boardwalk Hall Organ, Atlantic City, and Director of Sacred Music at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Doylestown, will perform on the Allen Organ.

The second half of the concert includes “Symphony No. 5, 4th Movement” by Ludwig van Beethoven; “Symphony No. 3, 6th Movement,” by Gustav Mahler, and Modeste Mussorgsky’s “Great Gate of Kyiv” from “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

The concert includes “A Plea for Ukraine” by Ron DeGrandis, violist with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and retired music teacher of the Easton Area School District.

A piece which will be very familiar to the audience is incorporated in Lawrence Kursar’s “A Tribute to the Ukraine.” It combines the Ukrainian folk song “Shchedyrk,” known as “Carol of the Bells,” with one of Ukraine’s most revered patriotic songs, “Oi U Luzi Chevrona Kalyan.”

The program is to conclude with the “Ukrainian National Anthem” by composers Mykhailo Verbytsky and Pavlo Chubynsky.

Lucente will accompany the Allentown band on “A Prayer for Ukraine,” “Finlandia,” “The Great Gate of Kyiv” and the “Ukrainian National Anthem.”

“I am so looking forward to conducting this concert, which is special in so many ways,” says Demkee. “Lots of wonderful music, some familiar, some new, and an internationally-acclaimed composer conducting his own symphony that features a world-class soloist and an outstanding youth chorus.

“This is a benefit performance supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the ongoing war in Ukraine. It’s a great concert for a great cause,” says Demkee.

“For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope,” 3 p.m. Aug. 20. Tickets: Miller Symphony Hall box office, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; 610-432-6715; https://www.millersymphonyhall.org

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com