Musica Felice, a registered non-profit organisation under the guidance of Miwako Fujiwara, is joining up with Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra to present their 11th bi-annual charity concert.
The My [our] Life in You event on October 29 aims to bring together music lovers and philanthropists in a beautiful evening of melodies, all in support of two charitable organisations, the Deaf Development Programme (DDP) and Sunrise Cambodia.
The Deaf Development Programme, a cause close to Fujiwara’s heart, is facing a critical funding crisis. A 60 per cent cut in their funds has left them without the means to sustain vital operations.
“The deaf school has experienced a staggering 60 per cent cut in funding. This means no money, no teacher salaries, and ultimately, no education for the students,” said Fujiwara.
The consequences are dire, as it deprives these students of a quality education, opportunities for a brighter future, and the chance to reach their full potential.
For these deaf children, who already face significant challenges in a world which often fails to understand their unique needs, it is vital that they receive support.
“As they are deaf, they cannot speak up for themselves. We must come together and help,” Fujiwara told The Post.
Sunrise Cambodia, a registered Australian charity established in 1993, is dedicated to empowering the Kingdom’s most vulnerable children and their communities.
It provide a safe haven for over 60 children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or exposed to various risks, offering them not just shelter but also essential education and support.
The challenges these children have endured, including human trafficking, domestic violence and extreme poverty, make the assistance from Sunrise Cambodia invaluable.
The organisation ensures comprehensive care and offers housing, education, medical support, and skill development opportunities.
They also extend their aid to over 200 disadvantaged children from neighbouring villages, granting them access to quality education, as well as the opportunity to live with their families after school.
Fujiwara, a Japanese national who has resided in Phnom Penh since 2010, is an accomplished musician with a Master of Arts from Soai University in Osaka, Japan, and a Masters of music from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, Netherlands, where she specialised in the harpsichord – an instrument she began studying at 16.
Her musical talents have graced audiences in Europe, the US and Japan. While classically trained, she has also ventured into Jazz, performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague in 1997.
Today, she focuses on teaching piano and organising charitable performances.
Fujiwara is also the founder of the Bella Voce Choir, a group that has been operating for several years, sometimes collaborating with local amateur theatre company, the Phnom Penh Players.
Alongside her charitable efforts, she frequently performs at hotels, works as a freelance musician, and collaborates as a corporate artist.
Musica Felice, a diverse choir in Phnom Penh, serves as the driving force behind the coming event. Comprised of members from many different parts of the world, each vocalist shares a profound love for classical music.
Founded by Fujiwara, the choir boasts 30 individuals representing 17 nationalities. The addition of Khmer dancers enhances the choir’s unique blend of musical styles.
Their repertoire spans sacred to secular music, and will encompass pieces from several historical periods, including the Renaissance, early Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras.
Their performances have evolved to include many challenging pieces, including Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo, Adiemus, Peace Maker, and Les Miserables, accompanied by Fujiwara on a piano and a Khmer orchestra.
This year’s charity concert, titled My [our] Life in You, promises to be exceptional. Musica Felice will showcase their exceptional talents with a selection of songs from many countries and a concert version of the famous musical Les Miserables, sung in English.
Attendees can anticipate an evening of beautiful music, all while supporting two remarkable causes.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Musica Felice for this important event.
“We believe it is our responsibility to give back to the community and support those making a difference in the lives of others.
“We are excited to host this charity concert and help raise funds for these two amazing organisations,” said Charles-Henri Chevet, area general manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
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