Dear Lucas,
Venezuela SOS Concerts is an initiative led by renowned Venezuelan musicians living abroad, who condemn the serious violations of human rights their country is suffering today. As musicians, aware of this situation, and convinced of the importance of being the voice of Venezuela to the world, they have decided to speak out through music, organizing a tour of international concerts that allows them to use their talent as a tool for raising awareness of the situation of violence in their country.
This tour started with their first concert in Philadelphia on Sunday May 18, 2014 at 7:30pm., at Mitten Hall in Temple University. The second concert will be held on Thursday June 5 at 7pm., near Lincoln Center, in the auditorium of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. These free and open-to-the-public concerts will serve to raise a united protest through their music, in a call to individuals, organizations and institutions to join the search for peace and respect for human rights in Venezuela.
For these musicians, it is essential that Venezuelan Government and the world understand that peace cannot be found through violence and oppression. Peace is built on a society where tolerance and dialogue help to overcome differences. There is no more powerful influence for peace than music. For this reason, their commitment is to convene musicians in cities around the world to bring their talent as an instrument of peace, with the most genuine love for people who cries out for justice.
Growing numbers of people are joining the musicians, artists and personalities of Venezuela and the world in this initiative. We want to highlight the presence of such notable soloists, conductors and composers as: Vanessa Perez, Carlos Izcaray, Ali Bello, Simon Gollo, Samuel Marchan, Evelyn Estava, Icli Zitella and Jan Wagner, among others. We especially welcome the contributions of Venezuelan musicians studying in the United States, who have shown solidarity with the Venezuela student movement against the government repression and gross violations of human rights which they have suffered, just for exercising their legitimate right to nonviolent gatherings and peaceful protest.
Best,
Beth Zucker
New York Society for Ethical Culture