A Galaxy Of Stars Shine At The Concert In Support Of
The Kuwait Red Crescent Society
Friday 17 November 2017
Friday evening last proved to be an extra special one in the Abdul Husain Marafi Ballroom at the Radisson Blu Hotel . An exhilarating charity concert was being presented by some prominent volunteer local musical artists and student musicians of the Kuwait English School. The symbol of the relationship established between Kuwait English School and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (Hand in Hand) was most apparent – every performer, without exception, gave of their very best and delighted members of the audience who appreciatively and loudly applauded each presentation.
From the very moment that the dye was set and the concert planned, no effort was spared to present certainly from the KES students point of view “The greatest show on earth” and on that special evening, it certainly was.
The host of volunteer talent delighted the attentive audience with musical numbers which, among them included:
Present, to enjoy the evening’s entertainment and support the cause were a number of Kuwait’s dignitaries including: Mr. Anwar AL Hassawi, Vice-President of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Mr. Mohamed Jassim Al Saddah, Chairman KES. The Ambassador of German, H.E. Mr. Karlfried Bergner accompanied by his wife, Ulrike made a moving speech thanking everyone involved in the charity effort and reminding us of the famous quotation of Sir Winston Churchill “We make a Living by what we get but we make a Life by what give”. British Ambassador was represented by Mrs. Jacky Perkins, Deputy Head of Mission. Among other diplomats present were: H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Martin D. Dworak, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Aleksandar Olshevski, Ambassador of Bulgaria. H.E. and Mrs. Warren Hauck, Ambassador of Australia, Mrs. Beata Burchert-Pertinska, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Lt. Col. Lukasz Piatek, Commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Kuwait and H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Silverman, Ambassador of USA.
In recollecting this starred and very special evening, it must be agreed that it was the performance of the Green Unit, a special Education Section of Kuwait English School which stole the show and brought the house down. Trained and directed by their Music Teacher, Mrs. Katarzyna Zadlo- Papadopoulou , the choir of the KES Green Unit confidently presented their song with a rare sensitivity and passion. It was a ‘song from the heart’ so much so that H.E. the German Ambassador was moved to initiate a well deserved standing ovation for these dedicated students who were quite overwhelmed by the overwhelming applause and unexpected gesture which was a great tribute.
Other memorable musical contributions other than the performance by the Green Unit was the well known tunes ‘Putting on the Ritz and Big Spender’ presented by the School band directed by Mr. Steve Tarry. The Kuwait English School choir directed by Mike Hassan sang an intriguing African song ‘Hamba Lulu’.
The audience were also treated to the moving performances by the popular singers, Carol Souki and Felicia Brown
Featuring also in this exceptional Concert was Mr. Preslav Petkov who displayed his mastery of the clarinet. Mr. Preslav is well known as a superb instrumentalist not only Kuwait and its diplomatic circles but also in his native Bulgaria where he is a member of the Bulgarian National Orchestra. It was indeed an honour to hear him perform.
The whole atmospheric of the evening was one of happiness and joy. Beautiful and colourful displays of flowers were in abundance everywhere and the room for hospitality was tastefully and attractively set up. It was here that, during the interval, a generous and delicious buffet was served.
For each and every performance there was on stage an attractive visual display in keeping with the mood of the particular presentation, one of the most striking of those being the images of falling Autumn leaves which cascaded to the ground as the words of that beautiful and nostalgic song of the same name ‘Autumn Leaves” was movingly sung by Mohammad Al Foudari the Kuwaiti singer who had also been the creator of all the visual displays – rare talent indeed!
As the evening rolled by there were more treats in store – the amazing 4 Hassan Brothers whose vibrant playing of the Guitar and equally passionate voices entertained us very much in Spanish style.
Heiwei Li, a former prodigy child brought up in Kuwait and now a handsome young man inspired us his sensitive performance of one of Chopin’s well known Piano composition, Nocturne Op. 9 No 2. Other than the sounds emitted from the keyboard, one could hear a pin drop. The audience were mesmerized by Heiwi Li’s performance.
Robin Hughes and Anna Karadimitrova each sang to the delighted audience both giving individual solo performances and the closing duet ‘Time to say Goodbye’ accompanied by the live KES musical ensemble comprised of Mrs. Donna Clarke, Mr. James White, Mr. Mike Hassan, Mr. Preslav Petkov, Mr. Dragan Markovic, Mr. Steve Tarry and Miss Tor Lambert.
Guests at the Concert also had the pleasure of listening to two presentations by the Kuwait English School Quartet led by Mr. Dragan Markovic and including Agnieszka Fajga, Dodri Park and Emma Dunnel.
Fabrice Mareau contributed to appealing guitar presentations, a la faveur de l’automne and a melody from the Beatles era, Imagine
Such a galaxy evening of musical stars – both of students and volunteer local talents are rare indeed; those who attended enjoyed an unexpectedly high class musical treat as well as knowing they had contributed to the noble cause of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society through which those less fortunate will benefit.
Dilyana Hristova, a skilled pianist treated those present to 8 of the 12 Paganini Jazz variations and also joined Steve Tarry (Piccolo Trumpet) and Paul Lambert on the Cello performing Adagio from Concerto in D minor, Op.9, No.2
Paul Tunbridge, Master of Ceremonies for this occasion harmoniously conducted the audience through the evening with his customary good humour and aplomb and was presented with a model Kuwaiti dhow in recognition of his long-standing services to the cause of various charities in Kuwait. Mr. M.E. Muhmood, Manager of Kuwait English School, along with Mr. Mike Rickets, Director and Producer of the Concert, wished Paul well upon his planned departure from Kuwait, a loss indeed!
Mr. Mike Rickets, producer and director of the concert also performed his signature tune ‘My Way’ made popular by the late Frank Sinatra, and Hymne de l’amour. Mike had masterminded the evening, encouraged and supported by many of the cast members and helpers who were well acquainted with his theatrical experience and his high expectations in the world of entertainment. Everyone certainly did him proud!
