Camarata to hold networking fund-raiser

The Camarata Music Company will host their annual networking fund-raiser Friday.

The “Fall Into Music” event will include performances by the Camarata Chamber Singers, light jazz music and a standing buffet.

CMC provides opportunities for expat and Korean musicians to perform together, and has members from 47 countries.

“This (event) is your chance to ensure music and direct participation in music culture remain an accessible part of the community for everyone in Korea,” said CMC director Ryan Goessl.

“Camarata’s music productions are among those rare opportunities to perform beautiful music, create new friendships, learn new skills, and build more integrated, inclusive communities in Korea through shared experiences. While the group sounds great, the music sounds even better.”

A raffle at the event will offer prizes including restaurant gift certificates, wine and sports gear, while additional prizes will be auctioned off. Items on the block will include United Airlines round-trip business class tickets to the U.S., accommodation at the Hyatt Hotel, and a mini-Audi car for children.

A similar event was held last March, raising 10 million won ($9,300), but the company expects to raise more this year.

Proceeds from the event will help fund future CMC productions for the company’s outreach programs, which include free music lessons for underprivileged children and performances at hospitals, orphanages and similar groups.

“It’s a good time to network with people as well as raise funds and still have fun at the same time,” said Goessl.

Upcoming concerts for Camarata include its annual production of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 14 featuring professional soloists. There will also be a lecture concert on the evolution of the Lutheran choral tradition at the International Lutheran Church in Hannam-dong. The concert will feature a lecture by Goessl followed by related music.

“The Lutheran choral tradition is basically responsible for the evolution of the modern-day choir and its sound,” he said.

Goessl is also writing a book on the subject which he plans to publish next year.

Friday’s networking fund-raiser will take place at the Seoul Grand Hyatt Hotel from 7-9 p.m.

Tickets are 95,000 won per person, and may be purchased at the door, but details of how to purchase in advance can be found at www.camaratamusic.com

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)