MEDIA RELEASE

Benefit Concert to Support Victims of Chinese Earthquake

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., June 17, 2008) — The Chinese government’s rescue efforts and relief donations have helped many who were affected by the 8.0 earthquake in Sichuan, China. While buildings can be rebuilt, the lives of orphaned children face irreparable damage.

Cal State Northridge’s China Institute is joining the San Fernando Valley Chinese Cultural Association (SFVCCA) in hosting a concert on Saturday, June 21, in CSUN’s Campus Theatre to help improve the lives of those left disabled and orphaned by the earthquake.

"I sincerely believe that many people on our campus and in the community are concerned about the large number of earthquake victims, particularly children, in China," said educational policy studies professor Justine Zhixin Su, director of CSUN’s China Institute and coordinator of the university’s international programs. "We have more than 40 sister universities in China and some of them are in the areas that felt the quake, though not in the epicenter. Having experienced a devastating earthquake ourselves, we know how appreciated offers of help are. This concert is the least we can do."

Among those performing are soprano Deanna Murray, a professor of music at Northridge; classic Chinese musicians Zhiming Han, founder and executive director of the Los Angeles Chinese Orchestra, and Cynthia Hsiang, an award-winning Gu-zheng (Chinese long-zither) soloist; Hong Yu, who will perform Chinese Er Hu music; pianists Jeannie Chen and Joseph Tsai, flutists Tiffany Tsai and Carina Jette; violinist Solomon Liang; cellist Janice Foy; the chorale group Melodia Sinica and the Northridge United Methodist Church Children’s Choir.

All donations will go directly to the victims’ welfare and will continue throughout the course of the year. Also, two members of SFVCCA will interview the beneficiaries in Sichuan to provide updates on the donations continuing efforts.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in CSUN’s Campus Theater, located in Nordhoff Hall near the southwest corner of campus. Tickets range from $50 to $100 and are available at the box office. To purchase tickets, call (818) 677-2488.