International artists sing to raise money for Darfur crisis

19 November 2004

LONDON - Leading artists from the music world are to perform at a United Nations refugee agency fundraising concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the victims of Sudan's Darfur conflict.

Among the international singers and musicians taking part in the 'Refugee Voices for Darfur' event are singer-songwriter David Gray, lead singer of the Pretenders Chrissie Hynde, Simply Red front man Mick Hucknall, soprano Barbara Hendricks, disco-diva Jocelyn Brown, Grammy Award nominee Alison Moyet and singers Andrew Coleman and Robbie Craig. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will accompany most of the artists as they perform the music of Cole Porter in their own varied styles. Mercury Music Prize winners Franz Ferdinand, one of Britain's biggest bands, will perform via a video link from Mexico City.

More artists are pledging to take part in, or support, the event on a daily basis.

The concert is designed to raise awareness and funding for the more than 1.8 million people affected by the continuing crisis in Darfur, Sudan. The situation in the strife-torn region remains extremely volatile. More than 200,000 Sudanese have fled to neighbouring Chad and 1.6 million people, who have been displaced internally, are living in desperate conditions inside Darfur where there has been a complete breakdown in security.

This is one of the world's worst current humanitarian crises and urgently needed proceeds from the concert will be used to provide international protection and life-saving assistance to those affected.

Music producer Robin Millar, owner of Whitfield Studios in London, has collaborated closely with UNHCR in launching what promises to be an exceptional night.

"The response from the music and entertainment industry has been nothing short of amazing," Millar said. "Artists and their managers are calling me every day now asking how they can help. I expect 8th December to be a truly moving and unforgettable experience."

Funds will be raised by ticket sales from the event and online donations. The event will also be released on CD and DVD.

The concert is scheduled for 7:30pm on 8th December at London's Royal Albert Hall.