Sold-Out Concert for the Children and Mothers of Bethlehem

Resounding applause rang through the Zurich Tonhalle on Sunday evening, signalling the close of the benefit concert for the children and mothers of Bethlehem. In this way, the 1,550 listeners in the sold-out auditorium expressed not only their appreciation of the performance by the Enge Church Choir and the baroque orchestra Capriccio Basel, but also their solidarity with the children and mothers of Bethlehem: for it was they who were the focus of the evening event. As the costs of the concert were covered by sponsorship, the full proceeds went to Children’s Relief Bethlehem. Zurich City Councilor Martin Vollenwyder presented General Director Anna Beck with a check for 90,000 Swiss francs.

“A sold-out benefit concert is unusual, and this comes as something of a surprise to me,” said Mr Vollenwyder in handing over the check. “It is an indication of the great concern here as to the fate of the people in this region. We are happy for an opportunity to lend our support to Children’s Relief Bethlehem.” The Presidential Department of the City of Zurich was sponsor of the event.

Responded Anna Beck: “The wonderful amount this concert raised and the public attention it attracted are very special recognitions of our work. I would like to thank all the musicians and singers, sponsors and concert-goers, for this unparalleled show of sympathy for the well-being of the weakest players in the Near East conflict.”

Ulrich Meldau, director of the Enge Church Choir, summed up the feeling of his group after the concert. “For us,” he said, “it was an honour and a joy to sing in this concert hall for the children and mothers of Bethlehem.” On this evening, music provided the festive context for an expression of solidarity such as Children’s Relief Bethlehem had never before experienced in this form. Anna Beck was delighted with the financial and moral support. “Activities such as this benefit concert give our organisation broad, public support. In this way, we can keep our promises alive to the people in the region: we are there!”