Concert to be held tonight

Penn Musicians Against Homelessness will perform a one-night concert of classical music tonight at the Christian Association Auditorium at 8 p.m. The hour-long concert consists of a combination of piano, violin and flute solos, as well as clarinet and piano duets. The group requests donations to help alleviate homelessness. The group, founded in September 1988 by Wharton senior Brian Fan, performs one concert each semester on campus to raise funds for charity organizations such as University City Hospitality Coalition and Penn Hunger Outreach, which directly benefit the homeless. "There is a tremendous homelessness problem in Philadelphia and obviously, we alone are not going to solve the problem," Fan said. "But every group that tries to solve this problem will be adding to the entire effort." Another reason for the group's founding was to provide an alternative for classical musicians to perform on campus. "The group serves as a forum for musicians to be able to form trios [and] quartets and to find accompanists," College senior Stephanie Murray, flute player and former co-chairperson for the group, said. "We are the only solo group on campus in chamber music." Wharton sophomore Juliana Herde, president of the group, also suggested that the group creates opportunities for pianists, who do not get to play often in the orchestra. "We want to play more solo work instead of orchestra, especially piano players becauses they don't have the opportunity to perform solo across the campus," Herde said. "Only few times can they play in an orchestra." Penn Musicians Against Homelessness also seek to make classical music more available and accessible to a broader audience, especially for the general public. "We want the others to have the enjoyment of classical music because they do not usually get the chance to," said Herde. "Just to play for the kids at Ronald McDonald House and see their faces light up is rewarding." Since the group was found four years ago, it has performed at Ronald McDonald House, Philadelphia Home for the Blind, nursing homes and retirement homes. Ten of the group members will perform in tonight's concert. Pieces from Mozart, Debussy, Schumann, Saint-Saens and Mendelssohn will be played. "We have pieces that run the entire gamut of human emotions," Fan said. "From joy to sorrow to excitement to tranquility." This concert will be Fan's last before his graduation in May. Members of the group think that it will be "extra special." "The audience can expect a night of music that's both enjoyable and relaxing," Herde said. "We play a variety of chamber works that goes from Baroque to romantic." Admission is free, but a donation is requested at the door.

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