Concert for Cambodia
I would be honoured if you attended this wonderful fundraising concert: “Concert For Cambodia”!
This memorable concert features:
Australian opera star Lisa Harper-Brown, who has performed throughout Australia and the world in leading opera houses.
Rising stars of the Perth music scene The Stamps, who blend their haunting three-part harmony throughout their melodic folk and pop original compositions, making them the new darlings of the WA music festival circuit.
The Scotch College Community choir under the baton of local MD, composer and pianist, Jackson Griggs
The world-famous all male choir Cottesloe Crooners, under the baton of Robert Graham.
Pianist, singer and songwriter Robert Graham (that’s me!)
The talented artists who are performing at this event are doing so to show their support for Phare Ponleu Selpak - an amazing not-for-profit educational institution and circus located in Barrambang.
I had the privilege of attending one of their outstanding circus performances when I was there recently and met some of the staff and students. This inspiring school has been empowering children, youth and communities through artistic, educational, social support and outreach programs since 1994.
Right now however they are in the most serious financial situation they have ever faced. The school has previously always counted to a certain extent on overseas tourists to come and see their wonderful performances, and obviously pay for a ticket, perhaps make a donation, and witness the programs in action. The COVID 19 pandemic destroyed the Cambodian tourist industry and although the number of tourists have increased a little, they are only up to around 30% of pre-COVID levels. Additionally a large French company who was supporting Phare has withdrawn their support recently .They have already recently reduced 2 kindergarten classes and halved the number of visual and applied arts vocational training students
I met one of the staff there, Andrea Paulich, and she asked me, rather hesitantly, if I would consider organising a fundraising concert for the school. I agreed and thanks to the generosity of many, here it is! I would be thrilled and honoured if you came along. Not only will you enjoy some wonderful and talented artists but you will be helping to support the next generation of talented young people in Cambodia.
I have met some graduates of the program in Battambamg and every one of them expressed gratitude for the education they received at Phare. All of them had improved their future prospects considerably having attended Phare.
The alternative can be very bleak for Cambodian children. This school is making a huge difference. I hope you will too make a difference by attending and donating what you can.
Tickets for this concert are by donation, with a recommended minimum donation of $25. Of course you can donate more when you buy your ticket. There will also be opportunities to donate at the concert itself. When deciding on your donation amount please consider:
It costs $50 a month to give Battambamg’s most at-risk students the aid and support they need to stay in school. This includes:
Free nutritious lunch 5 days a week
Breakfast and dinner stipends
School supplies
First aid and medical care
Family and personal counselling form professional social workers
Needs based assistance.
$50 a month is $600 per year.
It cost $60 a month per student in the performing arts stream (dance, music, theatre, and circus)
$60 a month is $720 per year.
Can you afford to chip in some of these dollars? Maybe you could “go-in” with some of your friends and sponsor one child for a year?
Your generosity is greatly welcomed and appreciated!
Ticket link is here: https://events.humanitix.com/concert-for-cambodia?_ga=2.65303022.1336616257.1679321696-600125551.1678686185 Maybe buy a few and invite your friends to come later Contact me at robertgraham70@gmail.com for more info and tickets.
See you there. More info at:
Tickets by donation - recommended minimum price $25