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The 10th annual "Playing by Heart" event will benefit Camp Rising Sun for children with a cancer diagnosis at Camp Jewell. The camp is for kids ages 5- to 7. There is no cost, and the children can be in treatment, in remission or "anywhere in between," the announcement said.
The concert will be held at Fairfield Grace Methodist Church.
The performers are students of Wilton pianist Kyong Hee Cho. They come from Milford, Fairfield, Westport and Wilton.
Fairfield Ludlowe High School senior Christine Chang explained her willingness to add performing at this event to her busy schedule.
“Piano was always about being useful for college or just to show that I had a hobby, but now I know that my playing can help other people,” she said.
Staples High School freshman Alisyn Kercher, who performed last year, admits to being extremely nervous before she plays. But she added, “Playing By Heart is a chance to participate in something bigger than myself.”
Wongki Hong, also a Staples freshman said, “I just have to practice and not think about the performance. Practice is practice.”
He and his sister Seohyun, a principal flautist with the Norwalk Youth Symphony, have performed in two previous concerts.
Jack Nanez, a Wilton freshman, says that fitting practice into his daily schedule has benefits beyond increasing musical ability. “Piano has helped me manage my school work.”
His sister Claudia agreed. “My work ethic has definitely improved.” Both have studied piano for seven years.
Peyton Lauricella, also from Wilton, is performing for the second time. “Piano has definitely helped me with math, but it has also increased my wrist and finger strength for lacrosse and field hockey.”
Angela Suh, a recent University of Connecticut graduate and Fairfield resident, has studied with Cho since she was 6 and has appeared in all the concerts.
"This is a significant concert, a decade in which students have given back for what they have been given," said their piano teacher, Cho.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from performers or through the church by calling 203-374-6528. Checks may be made payable to: Camp Rising Sun. All donations are welcome.
The concert begins at 4 p.m. at the church, 1089 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield.
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