Hilary Hahn to present benefit in Baltimore for Japanese relief efforts

, where Hahn grew up.

She will be joined in the concert Thursday by singer/songwriter Caleb Stine, violinist Yuka Kubota, pianist Yoshie Kubota, Baltimore School for the Arts students Tariq Al- Sabir and Robert Pate, and Suzuki students from the Peabody Preparatory. There will also be appearances by author Lia Purpura and historian Constantine Vaporis.

All proceeds from the event, including the sale of art, jewelry and more by Baltimore area artisans, will benefit Direct Relief International's Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.

More info on the event is at the end of this post. First, here are excerpts from Hahn's statement:

I had been looking forward to performing in Japan: the country is unlike any other, and the audiences are dedicated and love music so much, and it is always a pleasure to play for them ... I first went to Japan when I was a teenager and have returned nearly every year since. I truly believe that music and art can contribute to society – whether in the course of daily life or in the background of catastrophe.

My first thought, when I was trying to figure out what to do with the time I was supposed to spend in Japan, was to organize a fundraiser: instead of playing in Japan this month, I could play for Japan. I grew up in Baltimore so wanted to return to present a community-based benefit concert in this city. And Baltimore really came together for this event. It was so rewarding to hear, "yes, what can we do to help?" from everyone I called to ask to participate on March 24. I am grateful to Red Emma's for donating their 2640 Space for this evening and to everyone involved for being so generous with their time and work. We hope to be able to make a difference and show our support to the recovery process ...

The benefit will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the 2640 Space - St. John's of Baltimore, 2640 Saint Paul St. Tickets are $20-$50, available in advance at Red Emma's Bookstore, 800 St. Paul St. and with cash at the door.

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