In support of children in the Middle East, Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama will be performing a concert at the Royal Albert Hall on behalf of the Melkonian Foundation and the Egyptian Association in Great Britain. The foundation, which provides support to children around the Middle East, will donate all proceeds from the concert to two orphanages in Lebanon.
Vartan Melkonian, head of the foundation, revealed that Ragheb had suggested the concert himself, after the success of previous charity concerts held by the foundation for children in the Middle East.
According to the London based daily, Dar Al Hayat, Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher held a similar concert at the same Hall last year, for which the proceeds also went to orphans in the Middle East. Vartan stated that the foundation is considering holding an annual charity concert, especially since Arabs citizens living in London have shown their support for such events. This support has made it possible for some of the most prestigious Arab singers to perform, in addition to helping needy children in the Middle East.
Vartan stated that the Birds' Nest Orphanage in Byblos, and Saida Lebanon Orphanage will be receiving the funds from Ragheb’s concert. He will also be holding a charity concert in Egypt, for which the proceeds will go directly to the new Children’s Cancer Hospital.
Ragheb also revealed that he is going on tour around the US and Canada, but had kept the matter a secret until he had completed the necessary legal procedures, such as obtaining visas for him and his crew.
Ragheb has promised an exciting summer season in Lebanon, filled with celebrations and concerts offered by him and others from the music industry. The singer called on Arabs throughout the region to overlook the recent tragedies that Lebanon has faced, and to have faith in the country that has been one of the most desirable destinations for years.
Ragheb claims that “the dark cloud that has been covering the skies of his country is clearing.”
