Christmas is a time for giving. And what better way to extend some Christmas spirit than to give to a worthy cause. Music Inc. will provide you with that opportunity this week. The performing arts group that came together earlier this year firmly believe that their performances should aid a social cause.
Their debut concert held in April was titled ‘Wish List’ and proceeds from the show were used to purchase specific items requested for by the children of the Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. This week, on December 13 and 14 at the Lionel Wendt, they will present ‘Christmas Wish List’ to raise funds once again for the children of the Cancer Hospital.
Shannon Jacob (23), Music Director and founder of Music Inc. says that the group makes frequent visits to the hospital and while spending time there, tries to find out what the children need. Then amidst their work, rehearsals, administration and more visits to the hospital, they split into teams and scour Colombo for the specific gifts which the little patients have asked for.
“Most of the children are from rural areas and they have simple wishes,” says Shannon, “but those wishes are also for very specific toys or clothes; like we got a request for a white truck.” Once the children’s Christmas gifts are bought, the remaining funds will be donated to the Cancer Hospital to purchase much- needed medicines. Some of the children at the hospital are in critical condition and Shannon explains that while they receive much joy in delivering the gifts, it is also quite sad when they find out that some of the children had passed away during that short time.
“Sometimes the children would have been discharged after treatment. In those cases we find out where they live and travel to their homes to deliver the gifts,” she says. “One eight-year-old boy wanted a pencil case with a compass on it. His parents told us that he was thrilled to have been gifted exactly what he wanted. He wasn’t in a state to use it though, so he kept it by his bedside and would show it to everyone who visited him. He passed away soon after. We attended his funeral.”
Music Inc. comprises a group of musicians and dancers, young people between the ages of 13 to 28. “There are 30 of us- 24 on stage and the rest playing instruments,” Shannon explains, talking of their next concert this week, adding that the performances are animated and could be enjoyed by all ages.”
Their shows are refreshingly original with the group coming up with their own choreography and music compositions. Organising the concerts is a team effort, with Mayanthi de Silva as event coordinator and Adam Kenny and Mevantha de Silva as producers. The group handles the administration, costume making and even the artwork themselves.
The Christmas Wish List will be staged on December 13 and 14 at 7.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt. Tickets are priced at Rs. 750, 500 and Rs 350 for balcony seats. The box plan is available at the Wendt. |
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