Commonwealth Club hosts talk with Oliveseed founder
The Commonwealth Club-World Affairs has scheduled a talk with Oliveseed founder Barb Mackraz beginning 7 p.m. June 4 at the Los Altos main library.
Mackraz started a small nonprofit in Palo Alto that grew from its first library to a grassroots initiative in rural Kenya and Morocco, transforming thousands of lives.
The organization has blossomed to dozens of library and literacy projects in disadvantaged settings, such as a women’s work center with Maasai women earning an income for the first time in their lives and safe water facilities, addressing the greatest daily challenge many families face.
With individual stories, especially from youth, Mackraz will discuss how even small changes well placed can make deep, lasting impact.
Admission is free and pre-registration is not required. Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Seating capacity is limited to 100, so arrive early to ensure a seat.
For more information, visit commonwealthclub.org/peninsula-chapter.
Viva la Musica to play Mozart in Los Altos
Mozart’s Requiem is scheduled to be performed in a June 1 concert at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave.
Viva la Musica choir and orchestra perform under the baton of Shulamit Hoffmann. The quartet of soloists consists of Helene Zindarsian, soprano; Solmaaz Adeli, mezzo-soprano; Corey Head, tenor; and José Mendiola, bass. Hoffmann was formerly choir director at Los Altos United Methodist Church; Mendiola is the current director.
Mozart’s Requiem is arguably the most beloved of all choral-orchestral repertoire. In part because of the movie “Amadeus,” the music is recognized beyond classical music circles. The most famous part, the “Lacrymosa,” was featured at this year’s Oscar award ceremony.
The June 1 concert is a preview to a performance that Viva la Musica choir, including some LAUMC choristers, will give at Carnegie Hall on June 22, under Hoffmann’s baton. This is the fourth appearance of the choir at Carnegie.
The Requiem, approximately 50 minutes long, will be performed without intermission. The concert starts at 3 p.m. Admission is free; donations to Viva la Musica are appreciated.
For more information, call (650) 346-5084 or visit vivalamusica.org.
Cellist to raise funds for quake victims
Cellist Sarah Hong of Los Altos is scheduled to perform works from Russian composers in two chamber music concerts, June 20 in Palo Alto and June 22 in San Francisco.
The concerts have Hong teaming with pianist Makiko Ooka and violinist Fumico Ando performing pieces from Rachmaninoff, Myaskovsky and Arensky.
The first concert, set for 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Palo Alto, is a benefit for Phos, Hong’s humanitarian project. All donations from the concert will go toward ministry to children in earthquake-affected Myanmar. The second concert is scheduled 4 p.m. June 22 at Old First Church in San Francisco.
Hong started the Phos Benefit Concert Series in Palo Alto in 2014 to help support various nonprofit organizations serving children in underdeveloped countries.
For more information, visit cellistsarahhong.com.
