Noted American violinist, Glee star to join Washington concert for Yolanda survivors

Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and Glee star Darren Criss will join other Hollywood celebrities who will come together for a benefit concert for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines.

Dubbed “After the Storm,” the concert will also feature multi-award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga, Filipino-American actor Lou Diamond Phillips, tenor Rodell Rosel, ballet dancer Christine Rocas, and singer apl.de.ap.

The concert will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on June 15.

Before the concert, Criss launched his own campaign on behalf of the World Food Programme to support Yolanda victims. Specially-made postcards bearing the words “You're Not Alone,” a reference to one of his songs, were given to donors who managed to raise $100,000 for the WFP.

Bell, on the other hand, is a long-time concert violinist who performed six classical pieces at the L'Enfant Plaza Station in 2007 as part of a sociological experiment with the Washington Post. He also supports other charity causes, including WhyHunger and Education Through Music, Inc.

Ambassador John F. Maisto, President of the US-Philippines Society, said that with the world's attention no longer on Yolanda victims, fundraisers may be a necessity to draw back attention to the Visayas.

"As the world's attention is gradually drawn away from the devastation in the central Philippines, we are reminded that formidable challenges remain for millions of families displaced by the most powerful tropical storm ever to make landfall,” he said.

“'After the Storm' will help our people get back on their feet through the reconstruction of their homes, schools and health centers as well as the restoration of their businesses and livelihood businesses,” added US-Philippines Society co-chair Manny Pangilinan.

Interested parties may purchase tickets online through the Kennedy Center's box office, or by phone by calling (202) 467-4600. Sponsors or organizations who wish to support and underwrite the program may email AfterTheStorm@usphilsociety.org or call +1.202.595.2880. —Rie Takumi/KBK/JL, GMA News

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