UMS to Donate Proceeds from Bach Collegium Japan Concert to Earthquake Relief

The University Musical Society will donate 50% of all new ticket purchases to the Bach Collegium Japan concert on Thursday, March 24 in Hill Auditorium to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief fund.

Bach Collegium Japan and its conductor Masaaki Suzuki arrived in the United States on Monday for a five-concert tour of Bach’s Mass in b minor, which will be performed in Hill Auditorium on Thursday, March 24 at 8 pm.  The group is the third Japanese ensemble presented on the UMS program this season.

Officials from the Bach Collegium Japan identified the American Red Cross as the fund that they would like to support.  UMS will track all ticket sales from March 16-24 for the Bach Collegium concert and donate 50% of the ticket price to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief fund.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in Japan and locally who is dealing with the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.  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,” said UMS President Kenneth C. Fischer.

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.”

Half of the cost of every ticket purchased between now and the concert on March 24 will automatically be designated for the earthquake relief fund.  For further information, contact the UMS Ticket Office at 734-764-2538 or www.ums.org.