May Concert
The 13th May Concert, entitled “Love for the Country through Music,” brought all nations together through music on May 10, while also raising support for a country in need.
Musicians, singers and ensembles performed 20 pieces for a crowd numbering over 600 Gwangju residents. Audience members enjoyed Korean pieces, while also globe-trekking to France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Switzerland.
The concert concluded with a stirring encore of “Marching for our Beloved” with audience members standing and singing. This arrangement, first performed during the 2014 May Concert, proved that the victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising will always be remembered and appreciated.
While the concert was free, Dr. Shin Gyonggu, GIC Director, speaking in both Korean and English, encouraged attendees to also remember and financially give to those affected by the April 25 earthquake in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
This earthquake, which registered at a 7.8 magnitude, shook the nation both physically and economically. Early estimates state that over 8,000 lives have been lost. According to an International Business Times online article, early estimates claim that economic expenses may cost over 10 billion U.S. dollars with reconstruction.
And with another 7.3 earthquake hitting Kathmandu, Nepal on May 12, the tragic damages and deaths are expected to only increase.
Sabin Bhandari and Ramesh Kumar Lama, Chosun University students from Nepal, confirmed the damages done and the people lost back home.
“The destruction is everywhere and it is still hard for emergency responders to reach many injured people at this point,” stated Lama. “Countless children and families need safe places to stay as well as basic household items to help them meet their immediate needs.”
Bhandari also shared,“In such a situation where our families and country are suffering, it is very important for us to gather together to act for the country.”
Thus during the May Concert, a group of Nepalese volunteers prepared samosas and served chai tea, for sale to raise funds to send back home. The GIC also partnered, providing a donation box to collect these funds. Thus, the May Concert raised 1,040,500 won to support Nepal.
“With this support, we have been able to provide relief packages to some of the affected areas in Nepal,” expressed a grateful Lama. “Our special thanks go to the entire Gwangju community for being with us and praying for us during such a difficult time.”
“The entire donations will be used to help the affected people in every form possible, from providing food and shelter to their restoration,” said Bhandari. “You have helped bring smiles to thousands of faces.”