Mistral, Joined By Sir Simon Rattle, Musicians From Leading Ensembles Across The Country, Raise Almost $100,000 In Benefit Concert

Boston, MA- The complete tally is not yet in, but Sunday night's sold out HOPE & HARMONY Concert, a benefit arranged by Julie Scolnik, Artistic Director and flutist of the 23 year-old Massachusetts chamber ensemble, is an unqualified success.  Almost $100,000. was raised via a 90 minute classical concert to benefit underserved women fighting breast cancer in and around the Greater Boston area. The monies raised will be equally divided between three essential organizations: the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition, and Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. Exact numbers will be in by the end of the week.

 

 

This special event was one of a kind, not because Ms. Scolnik and Mistral won't plan another event, but simply because the musicians involved in this concert will likely never all be on the same stage again.

World-renowned conductor Sir Simon Rattle, who currently serves as Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, and musicians from The Boston Symphony Orchestra,The Philadelphia Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, and other ensembles across the United States selflessly gave of their time to travel to Boston and donated their services. (Mr. Rattle was given permission by the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he is guesting, and used his one free day from rehearsals to lead the orchestra.)

 
Hosted by WBUR's Meghna Chakrabarti, the evening featured Mozart's Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Beethoven's Adagio molto e cantabile from Symphony No. 9 and Brahms' Symphony No. 1. Ms. Scolnik also gave a moving personal speech, and thanked the musicians, the Event Committee and all the sponsors, donors and ticket buyers that made the event possible.