Harvard singing groups to perform for local charity

Three of Harvard University’s finest close-harmony singing groups will be doing their bit for a local charity in addition to furthering the bonds of friendship between the US and Bermuda, and giving talks to local school children during their visit to the Island next week.

Next Tuesday the Harvard Krokodiloes, the Radcliffe Pitches, and the Din and Tonics, in association with the US Consulate, will present a lunchtime concert for all ages, including students, at the Anglican Cathedral between 12 noon and 1.30 p.m. While admission is free, the singers will be performing in aid of Habitat for Humanity Bermuda, so donations will be encouraged.

“The programme has been arranged in an open house format, and the lunch time setting is designed to enable people to drop in during their lunch break. Come for 15 minutes or the whole show, all are welcome,” US Consul General Gregory Slayton said. “If the music provokes a smile, and a feeling of good will, please consider offering a donation to Bermuda’s own Habitat for Humanity on your way out.”

Paying tribute to Bermuda’s tradition of generously supporting worthy causes, and the visiting singers’ desire to be part of that, Mr. Slayton added, “There is no doubt that Bermuda is fortunate in having a thriving, not-for-profit culture that is sometimes called the ‘third pillar’ of the Island’s economy.

The people of Bermuda, whether Bermudian or expatriate, government or private sector, are incredibly generous in giving their time, energy and financial resources to help others. The Harvard Krokodiloes, Radcliffe Pitches and the Din and Tonics are happy to be part of this charitable tradition, giving back to Bermuda in the way they do best — with song.”

In addition, the visiting glee clubs will be giving additional performances at various venues around the Island, including The Bermuda National Gallery, The Reefs, Pompano Beach Club, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, the Mid Ocean Club, Waterloo House, Coral Beach Club, and the St. George’s Club, and Mr. Slayton is encouraging the public to “grab your whole family and take in one or more of the shows at venues across the Island”.

For a complete schedule of performances see the American Consulate website at http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov

On a personal level, Mr. Slayton said that, as a Harvard alumnus, it was “a great pleasure” for him to welcome his alma mater’s glee clubs as they toured Bermuda, while as the US Consul General here he was “especially proud that these young men and women — goodwill ambassadors from the United States — were clear in their determination to incorporate a benefit performance into their schedule”, and he announced that he hoped it would become an annual tradition when they visited Bermuda.

Meanwhile, he urged everyone to “please come out to enjoy the fun, both at the wonderful venues where the groups will be singing all next week, and of course at the Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday in support of Habitat for Humanity”.

In addition to their many singing engagements, the Harvard singers will be talking to local students about the importance of hard work and dedication in high school, and how that will help them to prepare for a successful life no matter what they choose to do after they graduate.

In addition to the Harvard singers, the Ivy League university’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals will also be raising money for local charity next week when they perform City Hall Theatre from March 28-31. This time the beneficiary will be Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda.

For ticket information, see www.boxoffice.bm

Courtesy of Royal Gazette reporter - Nancy Acton