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What started as an idea just for fun has now grown into a fully-fledged annual event. Although there was a break last year, Women in Concert VI is back with a promise to be bigger.
"With no prior advertising or promotion, no sponsorship, and very little pre-sales of tickets, the first event was able to garner a crowd of over 250 people," says Vidhea Shrestha who has been involved with Women in Concert right from the start.
Over the years, the concert has established a reputation for itself. Says organiser and performer Sapna Thapa: "The audience's expectations are sometimes difficult to live up to but we make an earnest effort from our side."
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Along with Sapna, Rachana Gurung Sharma, Priti Kaur and Pooja Gurung, who have been a part of previous Women in Concert events, this year will also feature budding artist Astha Tamang Maskey.
"The genres of music that will be performed will run the gamut from pop to rock to R&B and soul," says Vidhea. The audience will also get a chance to watch performances from members of Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) which includes Shreeti Pradhan and a young trio of sisters. The all-women chorale group of seven members from KJC are sure to be a big draw.
"The idea of Women in Concert is two-fold," explains Vidhea, "firstly it serves to be a platform for aspiring young Nepali women musicians to perform and have their talent recognised. Secondly, the concert contributes a percentage of the proceeds towards a deserving social cause."
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In the past the proceeds from the concert have gone to support Nepal Child Welfare Foundation and Sewa Kendra. This year the women will sing to support Orchid Garden Nepal, a Maligaon-based group that runs a day care centre for children under five whose parents are daily wage labourers and come from under-privileged families.
"We have always tried to raise funds for a genuine cause where the person concerned is passionate about what he or she is doing," says Sapna. "We hope that our collective experiences in these troubled times will in some way be a catalyst for a better future," Vidhea adds.
And what a way to express that hope: through the voices of women, united in song and celebration.
Paavan Mathema
Women in Concert
Saturday, 21 March, 7PM-9PM
Gokarna Forest Resort
Tickets: Rs 999
