It was my honor to be part of this project for a great cause. On December 7, I performed in "Classical Night at Landmark to Benefit the Victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines". Although we only had a few weeks to organize it from start to finish, 200 people attended and between ticket and raffle sales and other donations, we raised $25,000! The concert was a great success, too. While people tend to forget about natural disasters like the Typhoon Haiyan pretty quickly, their donations at this point mean a lot.
It started with local young musicians performing woodwind duet, vocal works, jazz duet, etc. Then a brilliant 11- year-old pianist, Benjamin Rossen took over, performed Chopin, Mendelssohn and Debussy beautifully. I played after him, started with Beethoven's Romance in G major and then selections from Stravinsky's Suite Italienne. Elena Diaz-Acosta and Martin Soderberg performed in the second half of the concert, made the audience very happy.
The audience was very warm and welcoming, I was so happy to share the experience with them. And it was great to have a chance to meet and talk to them personally. I wish though, I had spoken about my experience in the Philippines when I was on stage, sharing the stories about the pieces that I was about to play.
By the way, I was asked how many years I have been playing. I get that very often (in fact, today again, after playing a bit of solo with a chorus...). I guess it's a good thing I look younger than I am but I hope I don't sound too much younger...
Anyone wishing to make a donation please email Aidan McCormack at lullingstonefoundation@gmail.com.
I am organizing at least one more benefit concert for the Philippines. Stay tuned!
It started with local young musicians performing woodwind duet, vocal works, jazz duet, etc. Then a brilliant 11- year-old pianist, Benjamin Rossen took over, performed Chopin, Mendelssohn and Debussy beautifully. I played after him, started with Beethoven's Romance in G major and then selections from Stravinsky's Suite Italienne. Elena Diaz-Acosta and Martin Soderberg performed in the second half of the concert, made the audience very happy.
The audience was very warm and welcoming, I was so happy to share the experience with them. And it was great to have a chance to meet and talk to them personally. I wish though, I had spoken about my experience in the Philippines when I was on stage, sharing the stories about the pieces that I was about to play.
By the way, I was asked how many years I have been playing. I get that very often (in fact, today again, after playing a bit of solo with a chorus...). I guess it's a good thing I look younger than I am but I hope I don't sound too much younger...
Anyone wishing to make a donation please email Aidan McCormack at lullingstonefoundation@gmail.com.
I am organizing at least one more benefit concert for the Philippines. Stay tuned!
