It might be an unusual way to spend the holidays, but the group of young people who formed REACH have discovered that the season brings with it its own joys. Together, they've created In One Accord, an evening filled with music and dance, dedicated to raising funds for differently abled children.
The event brings together a diverse set of performers – from musicians to dancers – devoted to a single cause, hence the name In One Accord, explained a spokesperson for REACH. The programme will consist of diverse performances from many genres with appearances by the St. Joseph's College Choir, and Melanie Stephen from the Oosha Garten of Ballet.
Moreover, there will be a bharatanatyam performance as well. Other artists include Menaka De Fonseka Sahabandu, who is known for her wonderful soprano voice and is a soloist with several of Sri Lanka's leading ensembles. Eshantha de Andrado is another noteworthy soloist along with brothers Ishan de Lannerolle and. Rohan de Lannerolle will also be performing. The latter has received international acclaim for his soaring baritone, while the former has served as the President of the very popular, award winning Sri Lankan male choir Revelations. Mohammad Adamally will serve as compeer for the evening.
The audience can look forward to renditions of traditional carols like O Holy Night and Jingle Bell Rock as well as more contemporary favourites like Josh Groban's "You raise me up," and the Circle of Life. Sri Lankan staples like Danno Budunge," "Meh Ape Deshayai, and an Eastern meets Western instrumental version of Gajaga Wannama will also be included in the line up.
A REACH spokesperson said that all proceeds are primarily in aid of a mentally disabled children's home in Dankotuwa, and that a few other community service projects have also been planned. She went on to add that the charity operated under 'AFLAC International' a government approved charity. REACH was formed in the September of 2006. At its heart the group is made up of students currently pursuing higher education both in Sri Lanka and abroad. "It is our belief that while on vacation we have an opportunity to contribute our time and effort towards a worthy cause," they say, adding that they welcome volunteers. Last year REACH ran a Health Camp for the people of Kukulegama. "The success of that project has spurred us onwards and we hope to continue doing various projects in order to help the people of rural Sri Lanka," they say on their website: http://www.freewebs.com/unicharitessl.
In One Accord will raise funds for the medication and treatment of differently abled children. Explaining that their primary purpose was to help these children live normal lives, the spokesperson explained that in many cases essential medicine would make a dramatic difference to the lives of these young children. Furthermore, the group hopes to offer their young beneficiaries therapy, using art and play, and focusing on improving speech and interpersonal interaction. "We want to encourage them to explore their artistic and creative sides and fulfil their potential," says REACH, explaining that they hope to give the teachers on the ground training that would help them handle the often diverse needs of their small charges.
In One Accord a Musical Evening on December 29, 2008 at the Russian Cultural Centre Auditorium from 7pm - 9pm. Tickets are on sale at Stone and String and are priced at Rs.500/- and Rs.1000/- |
E-mail