Chopin. The Space Concert | A Benefit to Celebrate Science and the Arts and Support Efforts in Ukraine
November 2022 marked two spectacular space-related news events. The new era of space exploration officially kicked off with the launch of the NASA Artemis mission which will pave the way for future human lunar exploration, and the announcement of the most exciting musical experience: Chopin. The Space Concert. The timeless music of Frédéric Chopin will be performed live alongside the unique NASA space footage.
The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and the Alliance for Innovation Polish American Foundation (AFI) will co-sponsor Chopin. The Space Concert on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.
This is the third time the MSV and AFI have joined together to share the relationship between the arts and science, but the first time the general public have been able to participate in person in this event featuring the award-winning film, Chopin. The Space Concert, by Director Adam Ustynowicz and music by Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin. Renowned Polish musicians will perform the timeless music of Chopin live at the event bringing new dimension and depth to experience the elegance of space and music.
The need to connect and experience the full range of senses and emotions was the driving force for a breathtaking initiative Chopin. The Space Concert. The music of Frédéric Chopin first reached space thanks to an American astronaut of Polish origin – Colonel George D. Zamka who was one of the members of the STS-130 mission. In February 2010 he took a CD with the music of the great Polish composer on board of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Colonel Zamka said: “I am one of several million Americans with Polish roots. The music {of Chopin} would be a way to celebrate the friendship and heritage between two great countries, the United States and Poland.”
This year’s concert expands the theme of human imagination, brotherhood, and freedom with the goal of helping the people of Ukraine. Through Chopin. The Space Concert, AFI and the MSV are raising awareness and funds to establish a Center of Excellence to train and support Polish and Ukrainian medical specialists in Polytrauma (Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder) in Poland. The Center of Excellence is being developed in collaboration with the Medical Society of Virginia and the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon.