Scottish Opera refugee aid

The November 13 concert has been organised by Mairi Ross of All Saints Bearsden, who has been moved and inspired by the dedicated work carried out by Canon Andrew White, the Anglican chaplain of Baghdad.

He has worked tirelessly on behalf of refugees of all faiths fleeing persecution in the Middle East, both in giving aid and through seeking ways of reconciling opposing religious groups.

Proceeds from the Bearsden event will aid his charity, the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (website www.frrme.org).

The concert features a performance of Donzetti’s comic opera L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love), and is billed as a one-off of the sort seldom seen outside Glasgow and other major cities.

It’s been made possible by artistes prepared to give their time for free.

Jonathan Sedgewick, another member of All Saints, has already produced two hugely successful concerts there, but this year he and Mairi have joined forces in their bid to help Canon White’s efforts.

And thanks to Rev Roddy Hamilton, minister of New Kilpatrick, they’re able to make use of his church, which is a larger venue.

Scottish Opera artistes Deborah Rudden (Adina) Adam Magee (Nemorino) Chris Nairne (Belcore) and Jonathan Sedgewick (Dulcamara) will be supported for the evening by a 20-piece orchestra of musicians, most of whom are members of the Scottish Opera orchestra.

Tickets are £10, from New Kilpatrick Church office, or email [email protected]; or phone 0789 708 184.