Devon Friends in War Child concerts
'Quakers never claim copyright on responding to suffering. This is a collective witness to “peace and understanding” by a cross section of individuals.’
Quakers in Devon took part in a benefit concert this month in aid of children displaced by conflict. Hilary Prentice, from Totnes Meeting, and Steve Day and Stephen Sterling, from Ashburton Meeting, were part of the War Child benefit concerts performed by the Occasional Liberation Music Orchestra & Viva Choir. While Hilary sang in the choir, the multi-instrumentalists Steve and Stephen played in the orchestra.
The orchestra and choir joined together as ‘a direct response to the plight of children caught up in current war zones in Palestine/Israel, Ukraine, Yemen and lesser known conflicts around the world,’ Steve Day told the Friend. ‘Is this a Quaker witness? For Hilary, Stephen and myself, these concerts chime with the fact that we’re “believers in peace”. For me personally, it’s a witness to my own understanding of “faith in practice”.’ According to Steve, with around eighteen people on stage, ‘at least twenty-five people make these concerts happen. War Child is a long established charity working globally in very difficult circumstances – they speak action for humanity in the face of hurt. Quakers never claim copyright on responding to suffering. This is a collective witness to “peace and understanding” by a cross section of individuals.’
‘The original Liberation Music Orchestra was started in the 1960s by the late, great American double bass player, Charlie Haden. We dedicate these concerts to his memory,’ Steve added. The concert was held on 14 June at Ashburton Arts Centre. Two more will be performed on 26 June at Pavilions Theatre in Teignmouth, and 28 June at Civic Hall in Totnes.
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