A UNIQUE EVENING OF MUSICAL COLLABORATION IN AID OF WARCHILD

With special guests Just Jack and Fyfe Dangerfield from Guillemots alongside the Scottish Ensemble

November 28th 2009 at London's Bloomsbury Ballroom

Trumpeter extraordinaire, Classical Brit winner Alison Balsom, today announced that she will be curating a unique event for War Child, in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the charity which works to help children in some of the world's most dangerous war zones. War Child, a charity long-associated with music, has partnered up with Alison for an evening of classical meets contemporary. Alongside some of the most innovative and exciting stars of the classical world, Alison has personally invited a select number of progressive pop stars of the day.

Says Alison "It’s such a thrill to be able to work with War Child to put on what looks to be an amazing event to highlight awareness and raise funds for the charity. I hope it's the first event of many where I can contribute; War Child have a fantastic history of great events and I hope to add to this."

The intimate evening, scheduled for 28th November, at London's Bloomsbury Ballroom, will see once-in-a-lifetime collaborations and will banish the idea of a traditional classical concert, putting a contemporary twist as pop, rock and classical collide.

So far confirmed are Just Jack, with his fusion of hip hop, indie and electro and Fyfe Dangerfield, front man of Brit and Mercury nominated Guillemots.

There will also be an after party hosted by Lauren Laverne in the stunning art deco ballroom bar.

Ben Knowles, Music Director at War Child - "War Child has a proud history of one-off collaborations, bringing some amazing partnerships together on the stage - Pavarotti and U2; Coldplay and Gary Barlow; Keane and Lily Allen.
 Alison is a unique talent, a young female trumpeter with the ability to reach the broadest audience. War Child is excited to have her perform for us with such special musicians and to bring her to the same stage as two of the most remarkable voices in British rock and pop.
 This is an event that will make a great, beautiful noise for children who themselves remain the silent, forgotten victims of war."


Full Classical Artist line up

Alison Balsom is classical music’s most talked about soloist. The BRIT award winning trumpeter has emerged as a leading beacon in the genre. From the toast of the critics, Alison is challenging and shaking up the world of classical music as she brings a new sense of glamour, youth and accessibility to her instrument, and to the scene itself. Alison records exclusively for EMI.

Matthew Barley’s musical world is about creating cultural and musical connections, ignoring man-made boundaries, and bringing people together. Often referred to as the world's most adventurous cellist, Matthew joins globally acclaimed jazz pianist, Julian Joseph - undisputed heir to the global house of jazz in what promises to be a great collaboration of talents.

Scottish sensation, Colin Currie enjoys a diverse career as a percussion soloist in a variety of settings, very often as a concerto soloist where every season he visits major orchestras across Europe, North America and further afield.

Legendary pianist, Barry Douglas came to fame when he won the Gold Medal at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition, Moscow. Barry was recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2002 New Year’s Honours List for services to music.

Finnish violinist, Pekka Kuusisto is perhaps best known for his encompassing love of all musical genres including rock, pop, jazz, and of course classical. Winner of the Sibelius competition in 1995, Pekka’s solo career has since rocketed and he performs annually at major venues worldwide with top international orchestras.

The Scottish Ensemble is a tight-knit band of outstanding string players from around Europe who perform regularly together under Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton. They are regulars at The Proms, Wigmore Hall and The Edinburgh International Festival and travel the world showcasing their talents.

Event details

A Classical Concert For War Child
Bloomsbury Ballroom
London
Date: 28th November 2009
Doors: 7pm
Drinks Reception: 7.30pm-8.30pm
Show starts: 8.30pm
Ticket price: £50
http://www.seetickets.com / http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / http://www.wegottickets.com

To enquire about exclusive table packages contact Catherine Gledhill
/ 020 7916 9276

For media information

For Alison Balsom - Dan Deacon @ The Outside Organisation
020 7436 3633 /

For War Child – Catherine Gledhill
020 7916 9276 /

http://www.emiclassics.co.uk

Notes For Editors:


Girls are often the invisible victims of war. These are just some of the issues the girls War Child works with face.


* In 2009 an estimated 300,000 children are active as child soldiers. 40% of them are girls.

* Most girls are forcibly abducted and given roles as spies, cooks, porters, "rebel wives" and the majority engage in combat. The first person these girls have to kill is often someone in their own family, or be killed themselves.

* Most girls are engaged in direct combat, but they suffer double discrimination as participants in both violence and as sex slaves. As "rebel wives" almost all suffer rape or severe sexual violence. 30% fall pregnant.

* The girls are usually unable to return home, they are marginalised and excluded from their communities as they are viewed as violent, unruly and promiscuous. These girls are forced into prostitution and begging to feed themselves and their children.

* The trauma and stigma attached to the violence they have been part of often makes it very difficult for them to open up with their experiences once the conflict has calmed down.

* Governments, civil society and health groups largely ignore girl soldiers.

War Child helps protect and rebuild the lives of children across the war zones it works in. Our work is only possible because of the support of music and events like this.


* In East Democratic Republic of Congo War Child has a new project working with both girls who during the conflict were abducted by fighting forces and forced to become 'wives' of the soldiers and faced sexual violence and girls who are still at risk of joining rebel groups because of poverty. We'll be working with these girls, reunifying them with families where possible, reintegrating them back into communities which have turned their backs, providing catch-up schooling, life skills and vocational training.

* In Uganda we are working with children who were abducted by fighting forces, with girls abducted by militia and forced to become 'wives' of the soldiers. Our work supports and protects these children and provides education and skills training to help them rebuild their lives.



War Child has an established, proud and unique relationship with music and a reputation for quality and innovation, dating back to the legendary 'Help!' album in 1995. War Child's music supporters include Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Oasis, Lily Allen, Stevie Wonder and Elbow.

http://www.warchild.org.uk