A six-hour long music concert to raise money for charity was held in the London Borough of Richmond last Saturday.
The concert featured show-stopping performances by students of the Otakar Kraus Music Trust (OKMT), a Richmond-based charity that provides music therapy to people with physical, cognitive, behavioural or emotional difficulties.
Attendees included the Mayor Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Suzette Nicholson, Lord Lee of Trafford and former MP for Twickenham Sir Vincent Cable.
Having worked to spread clinical music therapy throughout the UK, India and Nepal, OKMT founder and patron Dr Margaret Lobo could not be prouder.
She said: ”We started without a penny and worked to be one of the most important organisations in the UK and India.
”As the children started to progress, we wanted to give them an opportunity to learn music and do music exams and have the privilege that all children have.
”It’s been the greatest privilege and a great blessing.
”Music has the power to unite and fulfil peace and happiness for all.”
All money raised will go to the OK MUSIC SCHOOL, where 76 children and young people with additional needs learn to play music and perform in public.
As a patron of OKMT, Sir Vincent Cable is no stranger to the impact of the foundation’s work.
He said: ”This is a wonderful organisation that’s providing support for hundreds of people with neurological conditions.
”The benefits of music therapy are much better understood than generations ago and it is wonderful to see all the hard work of Margaret bearing fruit.
”I hope as many people support OKMT’s wonderful work”.
The concert also featured local musicians unaffiliated with OKMT as well as food and drink alongside a prize raffle.
OKMT Chair Ronald Miao hopes the concert will both raise funds within the community and increase awareness of OKMT and its mission.
Miao said: ”We try to provide a way for people with difficulty connecting in normal ways.
”Most of the kids here have additional needs but when you see them play the music they are expressing themselves.
”It’s an extraordinary way to see them shine.”
More information on how to donate to OKMT can be found here.
Image Credits: Okatar Kraus Music Trust
