With the Canadian Federal Government’s pledge to match funds for Nepal relief coming to an end, a flurry of events in Waterloo and Toronto raised an additional $28,000 on May 24. The Grand Philharmonic Choir under the direction of Mark Vuorinen, also assistant professor of music at Conrad Grebel University College, performed Fauré’s “Requiem” and Bach’s Cantata 39, “Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brot” (Break your Bread for the Hungry). They were joined by six Nepalese girls singing “The darkest night will end, the Sun will rise again.” As Rick Cober Bauman noted in an email to CM, a “Moving and a hard act to follow!!” All the soloists donated their time, as did singers from eleven local choirs. The concert was free but donations to MCC’s Nepal relief were gathered.
The same day at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener an event called “Stand by Nepal: 1 song, 100 guitars” saw many guitarists gather to play Ben E. King’s song “Stand by Me.” In Toronto a concert and bake sale was held the same day at the St. James Town community centre with funds going to MCC’s Nepal Support.
The day’s events were wrapped up with a concert at the Steinman Mennonite Church in Baden. The Martin Family singers performed Hayden’s “Creation,” raising funds to cover costs of the Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg.
Bethany Horst sings in the benefit concert in Kitchener on May 24, 2015, helping raise funds for MCC’s Nepal Relief fund. (Photo courtesy of the Grand Philharmonic Choir)
Six local Nepalese youth sing in the benefit concert in Kitchener on May 24, 2015, helping raise funds for MCC’s Nepal Relief fund. (Photo courtesy of the Grand Philharmonic Choir)
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