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Centre in the Square‘s classical showcase to support relief efforts in Southeast Asia he Kitchener Waterloo I Philharmonic Choir, the Kitchenerâ€"Waterâ€" too Symphony and the Cenâ€" tre in the Square are teamâ€" ing up to present a special Tsunami Relief Concert that they hope will raise up to $100,000 to aid victims of the devastating Dec. 26 tsunami in Asia. The concert will take place this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Kitchener‘s Centre in the Square. While there is no charge to attend the concert, generâ€" al managet lamie Grant statâ€" ed. "I know that people will be generous in their support by making a tax deductible donation to support this important cause." All praoceeds will be directed to the Mennonite Central Committee {MCC], a charitable relief developâ€" ment and peace organizaâ€" tian with a high local profile and a respected internationâ€" al reputation. MCC has partnerships with organizations in the affected countries and will forward 100 per cent of tunds raised hy the concert for relief and rebuilding efforts. In addition, Arli Klassen, executive director of MCC Ontario, stated, "MCC will apply for matching grants from federal funds, and thus potentially be able to leverâ€" age donations even further." The 135â€"voice Kitchener Waterloo _ Philtharmonic Choir will join with the full Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Symâ€" phony to present the Mozart Requiem. The special perâ€" formance will feature four renowned soloists, includâ€" ing soprano Laura Whalen, mezzoâ€"soprano _ Susan Platts, tenor Benjamin Butâ€" terfield, and baritone Sean Watson. Howard Dyck will conduct. Dyck is passionate in his commitment to bring the arts community together to support this fundraiser, statâ€" ing, "We‘ve all been numbed by the horrific scenes from Asia following the recent earthquake and tsunami. It occurred to me that, particâ€" ularly in a community like Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo, with its long tradition of generosity and culture, we might be able to bring these two strengths together. The Jan. 16 benefit performance seems the ideal way to do this. The Mozart Requiem is a great musical masterpiece, and in presenting it, the Kitchener Waterloo Phitharâ€" monic Choir and Kitchenerâ€" Waterloo Symphony will be joining a worldâ€"wide army of volunteers and donors to try to alleviate the devastaâ€" tion brought about by the recent tragic events in Asia. "It is inspiring to me to see how the decisionâ€"makâ€" ers at Centre in the Square, Kitchener Waterloo Philharâ€" monic and Kâ€"W Symphony have come together very quickly to make this project possible. We are also very pleased that the funds genâ€" erated by this concert will be channelled through the Helping you to keep your New Year‘s resolution to eat emart Come see what you have been missing at Waterloo‘s Favourite Seafood Restavrant Reservations 885â€"9039 75 King St., Waterioo Town Square LUCY‘S SEAFOOD KITCHEN ARTS FOCUS Mennonite Central Comâ€" mittee. "Music and the arts were never intended to operate in a vacuum â€" they are a vital part of our lives. A project like this is a splendid examâ€" ple of what can be done when people of goodwill come together." Grant said he is "thrilled to support this important example of local cultural organizations _ working together to offer support to those in need." John Spearn, chair of the Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Symâ€" phony, stated, "The KWSO is proud to be an active comâ€" munity partner in this tsunami relief concert. Once again, our players have immediately stepped forâ€" ward as communityâ€"spirited volunteers to aid those who have lost so much through this horrific disaster. The community continues to benefit from their profesâ€" sionalism for which we thank them deeply." Although no admission fee is being charged, reserved seating tickets are required and they are availâ€" able by calling the Centre in the Square‘s box office at 578â€"1570. MCC staff will be availâ€" able to receive â€" taxâ€" deductible donations at the concert. Taxâ€"deductible donaâ€" tions can be made when reserving seats. The Centre in the Square is located at 101 Queen St. N.. in Kitchener. The Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Philharmonic Choir, the Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Symphony and the Cenâ€" tre in the Square have teamed up to offer a concert to benefit relief efforts in Southeast Asia, this Sunday at 3 p.m [ oo e TL 1 Slom 1 1 voucker ! : m uP VOUCHER : ; Buy one entré and receive | 1 the second lnw&rgriced 1 1 entré PR 1 suminteD Poto