It’s a tragedy that has broken Australia’s heart. 11 million hectares scorched, 2,300 homes destroyed, 29 people dead, dozens more missing, and more than 1 billion animals gone forever. But if there is one small consolation after this disaster, it’s the way that Australians have come together to support those most afflicted and play a part in the nation’s recovery. It’s in this spirit that the International Academy of Musical Arts and its in-house, award-winning chamber music ensemble Trio Anima Mundi have gathered together a small galaxy of the finest classical, choral and world music stars for an afternoon to soothe souls, rouse hearts and raise funds.
This very special, one time only concert will take place on February 15th, starting at 2pm at Deakin Edge. Tickets range from $20 to $60 and can be bought here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trio-anima-mundi-and-friends-bushfire-appeal-tickets-88982863139.
“There has been a lot of bad news to absorb recently, but some events are so shocking and upsetting that they demand more than grief, they demand action. When Trio Anima Mundi was first established, we actually came together to raise funds for charity, little knowing how far it would take us, and this is a chance to get back to those roots and give back,” said Dr Kenji Fujimura, of Trio Anima Mundi. “All of the artists will be donating their time for free and I know their passion for this cause is going to result in some extraordinary performances, and an unforgettable event. We hope this will be a tiny little seed of hope to sprout out of such misery, while knowing that it can only be a small contribution given the scale of the disaster.”
All money raised will go directly to three charities trying to pick up the pieces from the bushfires. The Australian Red Cross and its volunteers are still distributing aid and providing comfort to those in need, including basics such as food and water, as well as emergency shelter and cash grants to those who have lost their homes ( https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/australia-bushfires-red-cross-delivers-aid-and-comfort.html). Wildlife Victoria’s Bushfire Appeal is focusing on supporting the dozens of wildlife shelters and carers that have been affected by the Victorian bushfires and helping them recover so they can continue their lifesaving work, and support the enormous number of animals that will need care in the coming weeks and months (https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/?view=article&id=145:helping-wildlife-during-bushfires&catid=11:wildlife-information). Finally, the event will also benefit Resound, an initiative helping people donate musical instruments to musicians who have lost theirs in the fires (https://www.resound.org.au/).
We’re extremely grateful to the many organisations who have come together to support and sponsor this event and enabled us to donate all profits to the chosen charities. Those sponsors are Fed Square, Creative Vision Audio, IKON, Yamaha, and Eventbrite.
The wonderful array of artists performing will include Trio Anima Mundi, Collide, Elyane Laussade, Jay Dagbar, Ensemble Francaix, Diana Clark & Doug De Vries, Pramantha Tagore, Andrea & Valanga Khoza, Cadence Choir, One World Choir and the Australian Welsh Male Choir.
Please come and join us, whether you feel the need to help the people and animals so afflicted, or simply want to bring some beauty into your own life.
