On Friday, December 21, Children in Need hosted its final concert for the year at San Domenico’s Peformance Hall. The club’s last concert for 2012 was intended to raise money for SEAPC - Cambodia, an organization that raises money to build schools for orphans in Cambodia. The club members were delighted to welcome Matt Gepert, a representative from SEAPC, as the concerts’ official guest of honor, as well as Caitlin Gowdy, founder of Children in Need and current club Ambassador.

The concert began with a brief introductory speech by outgoing club President, Gaby Berbey. She then beckoned Mr. Gepert on stage to say a few words about the purpose of SEAPC. For anyone who attended the concert, they can attest to the fact that Mr. Geppert demonstrated the power of fulfilling one’s passion as his speech illustrated just some of the spectacular projects he has witnessed at SEAPC.

Following Mr. Geppert’s introduction, club member, Tyler Leswing on piano and special guest, Randy Plummer, on saxophone, kicked off the concert with The Beatles’ beloved Hey Jude as the sound of the saxophone engulfed the hall with its deep definitive tone. RJ Pearce and Gaby Berbey then transported the audience back to the sounds of the early 1800’s with Beethoven’s Spring Sonata, capturing the elements from both the Classical and Romantic Period with musicality and fine balance. Remaining on stage, RJ Pearce then performed Liszt’s Transcendental Etude, leaving the audience on the edge of their seat with every theme, both new and recurring. Kuni Migimatsu then performed Chopin’s Ballade No. 2, catching the audience off guard with his masterful transitions between light tones and deep emotions throughout the piece. With immense grace and elegance, Hayaka Komatsu diverted the concert back towards string instrumental pieces with Shostakovich's Sonata Op.147 as she let the viola’s sonorous voice fill the hall, as well as the hearts of the audience members. Returning club member, Kenji Bellavigna introduced the light and gentle tone of the clarinet with Messager’s Solo de Councours, skillfully utilizing the clarinet’s tone to its full potential. Special guest, Alexandra Simpson, followed Kenji with Bach’s Prelude to the 3rd Suite on viola, impressing the audience with her sustained phrasing and rich sounds.

Providing a different cultural and musical setting to the concert, incoming club president, Cherry Yuan then performed Zi Li Li’s The Song of Fisherman’s Harvest, adeptly capturing China’s musical and cultural features in the songs as a virtuoso. Concluding the concert, Toki Migmatsu performed both the first and second movements of Beethoven’s Sonata Opus 101, providing an exceptional aesthetically pleasing balance between musicality and technicality.

The concert was followed by a lovely reception with food and beverages, courtesy of the parents. All the performers are beyond grateful for all the support we have received throughout the year, and we look forward to the concerts in store for 2013.

Related photos: http://www.childreninneedclub.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=14368058