Scenes From The Cruise Ship Concert That Raised $50,000 For Sistema
SAINT JOHN – More than 300 area residents boarded the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship Tuesday afternoon for a New Brunswick Youth Orchestra benefit concert for the Sistema classical music program for school kids in the city’s priority neighborhoods.
“We are setting a record today for the most performers ever on stage here,” Cruise Director Mitch, the MC for entertainment programs aboard the 4,200-passenger ship, told the audience before the performance in the onboard amphitheater.
“This is also very special for me I’m a fellow Canadian from London, Ontario. It’s so cool to be part of this. Before we go any further, when they start playing this live show, do not be shy. If you’re enjoying what you hear, make some noise, let them know you’re out there.”
The Sistema New Brunswick Children’s Orchestra performed many pieces with ship themes, including the Pirates of Caribbean Medley and selections from Marco Polo, The Musical, composed by Richard Kidd.
Local comedian James Mullinger also performed comedic sketches between the pieces, dressed in themed costumes.
The benefit concert, organized by IG Wealth Management, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Royal Caribbean International, and the City of Saint John, raised more than $50,000 for Sistema programming.
Sistema New Brunswick just completed its 10th year of operations and has 10 orchestra centres throughout the province with more than 1,200 children engaged in daily, intensive musical instruction.
“The goal of Sistema New Brunswick is great music, but it’s much more than that,” said Ken MacLeod, president and CEO of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
“It’s also about the social development of children who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Through music in the orchestra, children learn focus and discipline. They learn respect for others and teamwork. These are values that are essential for the orchestra to work but they’re also values that are essential to have a successful life.”
The young musicians and adults who bought tickets or tables were also served a meal and given a tour of the ship.
I was there as a journalist and father of one of the members of the orchestra. Check out the photo gallery of our afternoon on board the Anthem of the Seas.