The breast cancer awareness month has begun and what better way to get the message across than through a ‘pink’ concert?
Featuring professional vocal talent from the homegrown National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Three Sopranos, the ‘Sing for Pink’ concert in the UAE on October 11 is set to take residents to a new high. The event, to be held at the Brighton College auditorium in Abu Dhabi, will also kick-start the NSO Chamber Music Series for the 2014-2015 season.
“The aim is to honour breast cancer survivors and raise awareness and support for the non-profit Breast Cancer Arabia,” said Venezuelan singer Sonia González who along with Gretchen Hewitt (US) and Louise Merrifield (England) comprises the Three Sopranos.
A mechanical engineer with a management degree, González is also trained in opera. “Music has always been my passion,” said the marketing director at NSO. “No matter where you are or what you do, you can always find time to pursue your passion.”
All professional vocal artists from their home countries, they perform opera, oratorio, musical theatre and contemporary works.
“We will be dressed in pink and singing our hearts out,” said Hewitt, who teaches opera at the Brighton College and gives private voice lessons.
She said the first half of the concert would cover opera, solos, duets and trios while the second half would consist of musical theatre and numbers.
According to her, the concert’s solo and semi-staged ensemble selections are drawn from popular operatic and Broadway repertoire including Carmen, La Traviata, Carnival and Wizard of Oz.
And if that’s not entertaining enough, pianist Aurora Muratti joins the singers on stage. There’s also healing artist Wilma Burton whose art work will serve as the décor for the stage during the concert. “I created a special painting to contribute to this fundraising effort. It is titled ‘Hope for Glory’ which I will donate to Breast Cancer Arabia on the day of the event,” said Burton.
“The pink ribbon with flowers and butterflies on the canvas symbolise transformation, rejuvenation and spirituality,” she added.
Tickets for the concert, which begins at 7.30pm, are priced at Dh200 (VIP), Dh125 (general admission) and Dh75 (students).
González said the NSO Chamber Music Series was launched in 2012 and runs alongside the main NSO symphony orchestral concerts. “The idea is to promote music and showcase talented musicians and vocalists of the NSO Symphony Orchestra who are based here in the UAE.
With over 140 members, the NSO brings together UAE music lovers through its main season orchestral concerts, chamber music series, young artist concerto competitions and educational programmes. The breast cancer awareness campaign in October has given it another reason to keep going.
Details:
When: October 11, 7.30pm
Where: Brighton College auditorium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: Dh200, Dh125, Dh75
Call: 02-558 1958
