Pianist Ly Giai Hoa will perform in a charity concert in Ho Chi Minh City aimed at raising funds for children with cleft palates

A piano shop and a nongovernmental organization (NGO) have teamed up to raise money for operations for kids with cleft lips and palates.

Company director Nguyen Trung Minh said he hopes the concert will give people a chance to think about love.

All proceeds from the concert featuring eight accomplished classical musicians including Anh Tuyet, Ly Giai Hoa, and Nguyen Hong Thuy will go to the NGO to help provide surgeries for 2,000 children in poor communities.

Managing director of the company and the former country director of Operation Smile Dr. Nguyen Anh Thuan said, “It is the beginning of our long-term support for Operation Smile.”

Operation Smile’s development director, Julie Robbins, said Minh co-sponsored an art auction in May to raise money for the operations and, “Of course he heard a lot about Operation Smile and wanted to help more.”

She said she was very grateful for all the work the performers and organizers are doing for the concert.

She said the operations are “completely life-changing” for the children by helping them eat, speak and attend school.

Pianist Ly Giai Hoa said she has performed in many classical music concerts but this one will reach more people because it features popular music and is for charity.

Tickets for the event, available at the Opera House on District 1’s Dong Khoi Street, cost US$15-25.

Reported by Michael S. Smith