Friends of Haiti Benefit Concert features Haitian composers, national conductors

Following a series of events to
raise funds to help the victims of
the earthquake that struck Haiti
Jan. 12, Lawrence University presented
the “Friends of Haiti Benefit
Concert” Feb. 6 in the Memorial
Chapel.
The concert opened with the
Haitian national anthem. Lawrence
orchestra and choir students, Fox
Valley Technical College students,
Haitian musicians, and members
of the Lawrence faculty all performed
in the concert.
Other performances included
music by Haitian composers such
as John Jost and Sydney Guillaume.
Images of Haiti before and
after the earthquake were projected
onstage throughout the concert,
focusing in particular on pictures
of the Holy Trinity Music School,
where more than 40 Lawrence
students and faculty have taught
since 1996.
In addition, Lawrence students
Carolyn Armstrong and Stephen
Anunson presented footage of the
documentary they filmed in Haiti
last December on the impact of
music on developing countries.
Guest conductors came from
Ohio University in Athens, Oh.,
Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.
and Sacred Heart University in
Fairfield, Conn. Singers from the
Milwaukee Choral Artists also
joined the concert.
Additionally, a silent auction
was held in the lobby of Memorial
Chapel, featuring art by Lawrence
University students and photography
by John Marquis Cahill
throughout the performances.
Donors are encouraged to contribute
online at www.cffoxvalley.
org/donate. Select the Haiti Music
School Rebuilding Fund from the
drop-down list of fund options.