Credit: Helen O'Mahony/Chronicle.lu
On Thursday 12 December 2024, SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde held its 48th Gala Concert to a full house in the Grand Auditorium of the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.
This year's benefit concert, organised with the support of EY, was in aid of Benin, in which SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde has a presence since 1987, offering support to vulnerable children, young people and families. The proceeds of the concert will go to two projects focusing on children's rights, as well as an art awareness project in the country.
President of SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde, Anouk Agnes, introduced the evening and welcomed dignitaries and guests to the event. She thanked all those who work for and contribute to the non-profit organisation. She spoke of the devastating impact of wars on children worldwide and of how the organisation mobilises to help them.
A short film presentation depicting the positive influence of these projects and of SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde to communities in Benin was shown. Beneficiaries spoke of how the support they received enabled them to become self-sufficient, thus benefiting their families and communities as a whole.
The evening continued with the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra performing under the direction of South Korean conductor Hankyeol Yoon. The soloist for the evening was Ukrainian violinist Dmytro Udovychenko, winner of the Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Music Competition 2024, who gave a stunning performance of Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No1. A well-deserved sustained applause was followed by Bach's Sicilienne as an encore.
Following the interval, the Orchestra's masterful performance of Georges Bizet's Carmen. Suite N° 1 and Carmen. Suite N°2 captivated all those present.
The Gala Concert highlighted the importance of SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde's commitment and dedication to helping the most vulnerable children and families in the world.
The exact amount raised has not been disclosed at this time.
