Welcome to this special concert benefiting the people of Sendai and celebrating East-West fellowship through choral music.

We are honored that the HAGI Choir has chosen to appear despite the recent 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeast Japan. That they are coming despite having lost family, friends and loved ones and despite the fact that some choir members are among the missing demonstrates the hidden strength and indomitable spirit of the people of Sendai.

Before the earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan, this event was planned as a more general goodwill concert entitled "East Meets West in Choral Harmony" and featuring the HAGI Choir.

After the tragedy, Concert Director Mr. Shirota, who resides in New Jersey but is originally from Sendai, considered cancelling the date. However, upon receiving word from the HAGI Choir President Maki Suemitsu and several choir members that they still desired to make the trip, Shirota decided to go forward. He formed the Sendai Relief Fund (NPO) to raise donations to aid in recovery, and he gave the concert its new name and purpose.

The HAGI Choir is led by acclaimed Music Director Mitsuharu Okazaki, who is dedicated to the development of a world-class choral group from Sendai. Mr. Okazaki had already hand-picked and was tirelessly rehearsing many of Sendai's finest voices when the earthquake and tsunami struck. The Choir will now resume rehearsals, even as choir members spend nearly all of their time aiding in recovery efforts.