2004 YMCA/FCSC Charity Concert

 “A Musical Kaleidoscope”

 On Wednesday, September 29^th the Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Mr. John McCarthy, hosted the 2004 YMCA/FCSC Autumn Charity Concert, “A Musical Kaleidoscope”, to raise money for Challenged Children throughout Japan.

(L to R) H.E. Mr. John McCarthy, Ambassador of Australia, Mrs. Nalene de Alba, Mr. Cesar de Alba, Minister Counselor, Spanish Embassy

The program for the evening consisted of the incredible tenor voice of Mr. Katsumi Ishihara, accompanied on piano by his wife, performing a range of pieces including Donizetti and Italian Canzoni from Napoli. Wine and canapés were served at intermission. Then followed the superb sounds of swing from Jerry and the Hip Swingers, whose relaxed style and wonderful interpretations of timeless classics had the audience tapping their feet along with the music.

	(L to R) Mr. Katsumi Ishihara, H.E. Mr. John McCarthy, Mrs. Ishihara
	Jerry and The HipSwingers with H.E. Mr. John McCarthy

The more than \1.2 million raised from this event goes to support the development of mentally and physically challenged children through camp and fellowship activities, run under the auspices of the National Council of YMCAs of Japan, as well as promoting integration to, and acceptance by, mainstream society.

Among the honored guests were the Spanish Minister Mr. Cesar de Alba, and Mrs. Nalene de Alba, Mrs. Toyoko Fry, wife of the British Ambassador, as well as members, guests and friends of the YMCA/FCSC.

The YMCA/FCSC is a volunteer group of ambassadors and international business, community and social leaders who desire to contribute to Japanese society, and have been working to improve the quality of challenged children’s lives since 1958.