Toyota Classics: Moving people through cars, moving lives through music

It is not unlikely for people who love cars to also love music. After all, listening to music while on the road makes the whole driving or riding experience more enjoyable (it also makes traffic congestion more endurable).

Perhaps this link between cars and music makes “Toyota Classics” appropriately the signature corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in arts and culture of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Since its inception in 1990, Toyota Classics has held over 184 sell-out classical concerts all throughout Asia.  With its tagline “Music that Moves Lives,” Toyota Classics does not only promote appreciation for classical music but has also helped change lives.  Ticket sales proceeds from the Toyota Classics concerts are donated to various charity organizations.

Last year, the Toyota Classics in the Philippines donated its proceeds to Plan International, a child-centered humanitarian organization providing assistance in education, child health, child protection and youth engagement.  Three million pesos were committed to Yolanda rehabilitation.

This year, the 26th Toyota Classics will showcase the internationally acclaimed Hungarian theatre company “Budapest Operetta and Musical Theatre.”

The Budapest Operetta has performed extensively in Europe and Asia and was awarded the “Superbrand” accolade.  The group is led by Conducter Maestro László  Makláry (winner of Artisjus Prize and the Honored Artist of Hungary).   Key singers include Anita Lukács, Zsolt Vadász, Gergely Boncsér, Mónika Fischl, Szilvi Szendy and Dávid Szabó.

Toyota Classics now brings the Budapest Operetta in seven Asian Countries (Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia), including the Philippines.

The Budapest Operetta will be performing a mix of musical and operetta pieces, such as musical pieces from The West Side Story and operetta pieces by Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár and Emmerich Kálmán.

The 26th Toyota Classics featuring the Budapest Operetta will be in the Philippines on October 16, Friday at The Theatre in Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

Information may be found or tickets may be purchased at www.ToyotaClassics.asia.

How does Toyota Classics change lives?  “In the previous years, we are pleased that the funds raised through the Toyota Classics have provided support to various charity groups in their relief operations that have enabled them to lead better lives,” Toyota Motor Philippines President Michinobu Sugata said.  He adds, “The Toyota Classics is more than just promoting and enriching culture and the arts in the country.  It is our ultimate aspiration to realize that we keep on Moving Lives through beautiful Music.”

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Karen Jimeno is a junior partner at Jimeno Cope & David Law Firm and a law professor.  She hosts LegalHD on CNN Philippines on Tuesdays at 9:30PM. She graduated from UP Law School and Harvard Law School, and is licensed to practice law in the Philippines and in New York.