ISTITUTO EUROPEO: Tonight April 28 at 8:30pm Charity Concert pro Japan!!

On March 11, 2011 Japan was hit by its strongest earthquake on record, provoking a devastating tsunami that wreaked havoc and destroyed lives. In the hope that everything may return to normal as soon as possible, the Music Department of the ISTITUTO EUROPEO  in Florence has organized a benefit concert for the victims of the earthquake. The idea for the fund-raising drive was conceived of by a group of Japanese students currently studying Italian, music and opera at the ISTITUTO EUROPEO.

The undisputable skill of these young artists is the fruit of a constant dedication and hard work on the part of the students, all of whom are under the excellent direction of the teachers in the ISTITUTO EUROPEO ’s Department of Music.

It was the ISTITUTO EUROPEO’s idea to decorate the invitation with a series of Japanese cranes. According to the art of origami, the crane is a symbol of hope, life and peace. The tradition of the “thousand cranes” says that whomever folds a thousand origami cranes will have their heart’s deepest wish granted. The “thousand cranes” also recall the story of Sadako, the little girl who survived the Hiroshima bombing only to subsequently contract leukemia. Sadoko, who was familiar with the legend, decided to fold one thousand cranes so that she could continue to live. Her effort did not prolong her life but did encourage the residents of the city to build a statue in her honor in Hiroshima’s Peace Park. The statue represents a girl standing with her hands open and a crane taking flight from her fingertips.

On Thursday, April 28 at 8:30pm, Miyuki Endo, Atsuko Miyamoto and Kazue Yamaguchi will perform a voice concert, accompanied by Kayoko Ikeda on piano. Entrance is free and envelopes will be distributed for those who wish to make a donation. The concert will be held at the Società Dante Alighieri, via Gino Capponi, 4, Florence.

All monies will go directly the Japanese Red Cross.