Sudan Benefit Concerts

2006 Benefit Concert

In February, 2006, our benefit concerts raised funds for the largest country in Africa: Sudan.

For that concert, 70 people joined the mass choir, and again guest instrumentalists along with the world-renowned English composer David Fanshawe participated.

$15,007 were raised and sent to Dear Sudan and the Bishop Gassis Sudan Relief Fund.

Program Notes

February, 2006

Last year's Benefit Concerts were conceived in response to a devastating moment in time - a huge wave that ripped across continents and people. The tsunami was a tragic natural disaster that killed hundreds of thousands and destroyed the livelihoods and dwellings of millions more.

This year we sing (and ring, and drum, and share all our musical talents) for a completely different reason: there is nothing natural about the tragedy that has been unfolding in Sudan for years. It is not the earth shaking, causing water to spill upon the land. Instead, it is people, in the search for power and wealth, shaking the very core of what people should be and causing genocide, rape, famine, disease, and pure terror. It causes those of us -us on stage and you taking the time to listen - who have the ability to do something, to do it.

Perhaps the first step is the immediate need of money - to build the first hospital in the Nuba Mountains, which will focus on maternal and child care. And to send money to those in Darfur who need food. But the next step, which we also hope you'll take, is to inform yourself about the people who call Sudan home. Sudan is a huge country, the largest in Africa, and holds much diversity- Muslims, Christians, and indigenous believers; skin hues in various shades; land that is urban, desert, and jungle. And music that celebrates that diversity as well.

We hope that you will find what we share with you today helpful in learning more about the people of Sudan. We ask you to listen carefully to the music composed and sung by talented musicians; to hear the words of our speaker and her passion for her homeland; to read the book War and Faith in Sudan and to look carefully at the pictures within its pages; to speak to the Sudanese who are here with us today and learn more about their stories.

While the violence in Sudan goes against everything that we believe in, singing to make a difference seems like a natural response. We're pleased to do what we can and we're so grateful for your attendance here today.

Program Highlights