9th Annual Outreach Benefit Concert

The 9th Annual Benefit Concert to raise funds to send students from WJCS Amazing Afternoons after-school program in Mt. Vernon to summer camp will be presented by the Church of St. James the Less with The Children’s Aid Society, Westchester Reform Temple (WRT) and The Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York City (CCO/NYC).

This unique concert, which unites different religious and musical groups, is a joint effort primarily of the Episcopal and Jewish congregations as well as other religious and community groups in Scarsdale. The eight previous concerts have netted over $350,000 and have sent over 450 disadvantaged children from Edward Williams Elementary School for seven weeks to the Wagon Road Camp in Chappaqua.

Justin Bischof, Artistic Director/Conductor of CCO/NYC and Co-Founder of the Benefit Concert, will conduct such audience favorites as Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Bischof’s The Last Words of David, Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and Dvorak’s sublime Symphony No. 9 “New World”. International soprano Sky Ingram of London’s Royal Opera House, will make her CCO/NYC debut in the Barber. Cantor Jill Abramson, Senior Cantor of WRT, will sing Zion’s Wall by Aaron Copland and Avenu Malkenu by Max Janowksi.

The Edward Williams’ Children’s Choir, along with children from St. James the Less and Westchester Reform Temple will sing along with the audience several favorites including The Battle Hymn of the Republic and This Little Light of Mine. Here's a sample of last year's concert.

“The past eight years have been both exciting and inspiring,” said Dorothy E. Yewer, Co-Founder & Benefit Chair. “It is gratifying to come together as a community to provide a camp experience for children who face overwhelming life challenges and whose worlds are broadened immeasurably by time in the natural world.”

"Musically, these concerts are of exceptional quality,” added conductor Bischof. "I am honored that we can create a collaborative classical concert while helping those in our larger community who need it so desperately. I am proud of all of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved who make this event such a success every year.”

During the summer when the Afternoon Program is not in session, the camp provides a safe, productive environment where the children can participate in craft programs, nature study, and athletic pursuits all while building confidence and self esteem.

The Children’s Aid Society is a private, child welfare nonprofit in New York City, founded in 1853 to help children in poverty succeed and thrive.

To purchase tickets, visit www.artscenter.org (go to Rental Events) or call 914.251.6200. Tickets are $1,000, $500, $250, $150 & $75 and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For more information and/or to make a donation, contact Benefit Chair Dorothy E. Yewer at 914.656.2027.