Vienna’s Holiday Harmony: Charity Concert Raises Record $31,000 for Those in Need
Vienna, Austria | Larissa Bilovits | 11.12.2024
The spirit of giving resonated through Vienna’s Lutherische Stadtkirche this holiday season as renowned Kammersänger Clemens Unterreiner hosted his annual Christmas benefit concert. This year’s event shattered last year’s record, raising a remarkable $31,000 for Unterreiner’s association, Hilfstöne, which supports individuals facing physical, mental, emotional, or financial hardship.
A Night of Stellar Performances
Unterreiner, president of Hilfstöne, graced the stage alongside a constellation of musical stars.Soprano Maria Nazarova of the vienna State Opera, heldentenor Andreas Schager, and acclaimed vocal coach Zoryana Kushpler lent their voices to the cause. The evening also featured performances by mezzo-soprano Patricia Nolz,actress Andrea Jonasson,and bass Wolfgang Bankl,a mainstay of the Vienna State Opera.
Adding to the musical tapestry were violinist Lidia Baich,harpist Anneleen Lenaerts of the Vienna Philharmonic,pianists Alexandra Goloubitskaia and Stephen Hopkins,trumpeter Daniel Ott,and the Lutherische Stadtkirche’s Kantorin,Erzsébet Windhager-Geréd. The A-cappella choir cantus iuvenis, lead by Matthias Crazzolara, rounded out the extraordinary lineup.
“This concert allows me to embrace the Christmas spirit while offering a chance to escape the everyday, enjoy gorgeous art, and help those in need,” Unterreiner shared.
Honoring Longtime Supporters
In addition to the record-breaking fundraising, the evening saw three dedicated Hilfstöne supporters receive special recognition for their unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission.
Baritone’s Charity Concert Raises $20,000 for Vienna’s Homeless
Vienna, Austria – Renowned baritone Clemens Unterreiner brought holiday cheer early this year with a sold-out charity concert benefiting Hilfstöne, a Vienna-based organization supporting the homeless. The event, held at the historic Lutherische Stadtkirche, raised nearly $20,000, a sum Unterreiner called “a truly wonderful” result.
“For me, today is already Christmas,” the baritone exclaimed, beaming.
The evening featured a captivating performance by Unterreiner, followed by a special presentation. unterreiner awarded the “Goldene Ehrenzeichen der Hilfstöne” (Golden Badge of Honour) to three dedicated supporters: opera star Andrea Jonasson, acclaimed Kammersänger Wolfgang Bankl, and Anneleen lenaerts, the principal harpist of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.”These individuals have shown unwavering commitment to Hilfstöne’s mission,” Unterreiner said. “Their contributions have made a real difference in the lives of those in need.”
Over 400 guests, including prominent figures from Vienna’s cultural and political scene, enjoyed the concert and a festive reception afterward. Among the attendees were former Foreign Minister and EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, former White House Chief of Staff Helene von Damm, author Michael Schottenberg, and singer César Sampson.
The concert’s success underscores the power of music to unite communities and support those facing hardship. Hilfstöne will use the funds raised to continue providing essential services to Vienna’s homeless population.
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