28 July 2009
Classical voice students from the Monash University School of Music - Conservatorium are holding a "songathon" on Sunday 9 August to raise money for the Bethlehem Hospital's youth program Creative Connections.
The program supports the needs of children and young people who have difficulty dealing with the death or impending death of a loved one through a combination of art, music and clinical psychological counselling.
The four-hour songathon - a first for Monash - will also give students the opportunity to perform for the first time as a complete staged ensemble, helping them gain performance experience.
Organiser and coordinator of classical voice Loris Synan said the event would give the students a sense of involvement in their community and help keep a unique program at the hospital running.
"The hospital is mainly concerned with palliative care and neurological patients so the program provides a valuable service to our youth, many of whom are grieving at the loss of a parent or loved one," Ms Synan said.
"Monash University students have been very keen to get on board and use their talents to help others.
"In doing so they will also add to their knowledge of repertoire, most of which can be used in their end of year recital."
The students will perform settings of Shakespeare text, written by various composers.
Students, staff and members of the community can support the event by sponsoring a song or coming along on the day.
The concert will be held from 1 to 5 pm in the Music Auditorium, Building 68, at Monash University's Clayton campus.
For further information on how to support the event or for ticket information see the Songathon brochure (pdf 2.67 mb).
For more detailed information about the Creative Connections Program visit Calvary Health Care Bethlehem website.
Media contact: Shaunnagh O'Loughlin on +61 3 9903 4843 or 0448 574 148.
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