East Oakland School of the Arts Benefit

By Carla Thomas Nineteen angelic  voices filled St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley Friday night, as they performed “In Paradism,” by Ernst Krenek, in the opening work of a community benefit concert for the East Oakland School of the Arts. Accompanied by a 12 piece orchestra conducted by Arianne Abela and led by Mezzo-Soprano Debi Wong, the opening lyrics “May angels lead you into paradise,” ushered in a spirit filled program. Abela, the Canadian based singer sang Five Whitman Songs, by Joseph Gregorio. The full house was treated by the talents of the choir of 31 voices that included El Mundo regional editor, Jorge Portugal L. The music of Wong and the choir flowed flawlessly as they performed the premiere presentation of “The House of Clouds” composed by Colin Britt who was present. Soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon sang  duets, including Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, with Wong. Precious Stroud, Director of Operations and Development for the Oakland Schools Foundation framed the concert and its objective saying,  “This concert is extra special because it was born out of the community. This concert is saying ‘Enough is enough and we care enough to make a difference to keep arts in the schools.’” “An event like this may have saved someone’s life said, Matin Abdel-Qawi, principal of the East Oakland School of the Arts.  “The funds raised are the difference between going to school and not.”  As Abdel-Qawi emphasized the need for arts support in Oakland public schools, he said, “I enjoy watching young people grow, develop, learn and develop self confidence.  I love to see them prosper and go to college, said the father of three. “Nothing is more exciting than watching young people learning.” The Conductor,  Abela, said, “I feel it’s part of my duty to see that children have the opportunities to help them have a fully developed childhood experience.” “If all of Oakland came to hear and see the talent of the East Oakland School for the Arts, we could raise the necessary resources to keep arts alive in our schools”, said Portugal L. For information visit: www.postnewsgroup.com and ick eosahighschool.org .