By Truly Render

The University Musical Society donated 50 percent of all new ticket purchases to the Bach Collegium Japan concert performed Thursday, March 24 to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief fund.

Bach Collegium Japan and its conductor Masaaki Suzuki (photo left) arrived in the United States on Monday for a five-concert tour of Bach’s Mass in b minor, which performed in Hill Auditorium.  The group is the third Japanese ensemble presented on the UMS program this season.

Officials from the Bach Collegium Japan identified the fund that they would like to support.  UMS will tracked ticket sales from March 16-24 for the Bach Collegium concert and donated 50 percent of the ticket price to the earthquake relief fund.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in Japan and locally who is dealing with the aftermath of this terrible tragedy,” said UMS President Kenneth C. Fischer. “We have seen first-hand the incredible healing power of music. Nevertheless, we also wanted to do something concrete to signal our support for the many Japanese artists whom we’ve presented over the years.”

Masaaki Suzuki, the ensemble’s music director, said: “This has been a very difficult time for my country. We are extraordinarily grateful to all of those in the United States who are offering their support.”

For further information, contact the UMS Ticket Office at 734-764-2538 or www.ums.org.

Truly Render is press & marketing coordinator for the University Musical Society.