Charity Concert
Opera and classical music performed live is a hugely thrilling experience and is especially important when the outcome inclines people to a higher aspiration, greater sympathy, or more profound self knowledge. To continue our programs, OperAffinity hold regular benefit concerts involving internationally renowned artists and giving young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to perform on an international stage.
Australian Embassy of the Holy See 50th Anniversary Concert
The Embassy of Australia to the Holy See presented a musical evening with OperAffinity and Australian-born soprano Breana Stillman on the occasion of Australia's national holiday and to inaugurate a year of events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Holy See with the presence of H.E. Monsignor Paul Gallagher Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
The concert featured OperAffinity and the work that it does globally bringing classical music and opera to disadvantaged youth using art as a therapy. Young Kenyan opera singer, David Mwenje, who grew up in the Korogocho slums in Nairobi and was one of nine children raised by a single mother had the opportunity to perform in the concert and travel outside of Kenya for the first time. OperAffinity wanted to give David the opportunity to perform and study with international teachers and contacts that could assist in furthering his studies abroad.
Operaffinity Launch
Under the patronage of the Pontifical Council for Culture, OperAffinity presented a benefit concert in Rome on June 30 to launch the association in Italy and raise funds for future projects in Italy and Kenya. This concert highlights the workshops in Rome bringing opera and classical music to Ukrainian, Afghan and Syrian refugee children in Italy with the collaboration of Save the Children and Jesuit Refugee Service Center.
The June 30 concert featured Italian pianist and composer Roberto Cacciapaglia, opera singers Catroina Morison, Shelley Jackson and Breana Stillman and Andrea Orbiso, concertmaster of the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale Santa Cecilia.
Also present was Sister Mary Killeen, who has made valuable contributions to our work in Kenya and spoke about the impact music education has had on children in the slums of Nairobi as well as plans for the future.
