'Beautiful Children' concert at the CCP benefits UNICEF

MANILA, Philippines - Korean and Filipino artists, some of whom are physically challenged, will perform in a concert titled “Beautiful Children” on April 3, 7:30 p.m., at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater. The concert will raise funds for the UNICEF Child Protection program.

The concert is presented by the Beautiful Mind Charity, CCP, UNICEF, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines and is sponsored by the United Korean Community Association of the Philippines. The event also commemorates 60 years of friendship between the Philippines and Korea and marks the 40th anniversary of the CCP as well. The concert is one of many events being held by the CCP from April through May focusing on the CCP’s thrust of cultural empowerment and using the arts to transform people’s lives.

“Beautiful Children” will be hosted by Honey Lee, Goodwill Ambassador of Beautiful Mind Charity and 2006 Miss Korea, and will feature the Beautiful Mind Trio, clarinetist Sang Jae Lee, crossover singer Kyul, pianist Hee Ah Lee and pianist Hye Young Park, all of Korea. 

Soprano Alexis Edralin will be the featured Filipino artist. Edralin is a prizewinning and versatile artist who has performed with leading Philippine orchestras. She is an alumnus of the world acclaimed Bayahihan Philippine Folk Dance Company. Edralin is a survivor of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Sang Jae Lee, who is visually impaired, is a graduate of The Peabody Conservatory of Music and currently a professor of Nazareth University and faculty member of the Ewha Woman’s University. Pianist Hee Ah Lee, who has first grade Congenital Limb Deformity, successfully overcame her disability to become an internationally acclaimed pianist. 

The Beautiful Mind Trio is comprised of cellist Il Hwan Bai, who is also the executive director of Beautiful Mind Charity, guitarist Jung Shil Suh and violinist Geenie Jung. Singer Kyul is a well-known singer, musical actor and TV show host in Korea while Pianist Hye Young Park is currently a music therapist of the Korea Blind Union. 

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble will also be performing in the concert. The group was founded in 2002 by flutist David J. Johnson and pianist Hyun Joo Lee to promote classical music in the Philippines through chamber music. It has held lecture recitals in various schools and conducted over 40 chamber concerts in Manila since it was established.

The artists of the Beautiful Mind Charity will have an interaction with the Divine Mercy Mobile Arts and Music Therapy group whose members have special needs. This will be held on April 3, 9 a.m., at the CCP Little Theater Lobby.

The Beautiful Mind Charity is a philanthropic organization that pursues cultural diplomacy with the aim to share the spirit of giving and sharing with various societies around the world through diverse cultural activities. The Beautiful Mind Charity works with both professional musicians and disabled musicians who donate their time and talent.  The organization receives sponsorship from social leaders and corporations for concerts and donates all proceeds to local community and charity groups.

For tickets and information, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 and 832-1125 local 1409.