Japan Relief

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan remind us of how quickly life can take a sudden turn.  Last November, the Japanese people welcomed The Cleveland Orchestra with unparalleled hospitality and enthusiasm for concerts in Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo.  Now, through musical performances onstage and surrounding the concerts at Severance Hall on March 31 and April 2, the musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra are working to bring public awareness to the continuing needs and hardship of so many in Japan.

You can help. Donations are being accepted by two relief organizations at Severance Hall concerts March 31 through April 2, or directly by the organizations:

• The American Red Cross is supporting the Japanese Red Cross, whose employees and volunteers are directly providing emergency relief, medical services, and emotional counseling to those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. To help, visit http://www.redcross.org/ and donate to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Or, you can make a $10 donation by texting redcross to 90999.

• JANO, the Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio, has created a 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Funds will be distributed by JANO http://www.janosakura.org/ in consultation with the Detroit Consulate, Japanese School of Cleveland, and others. Checks payable to JANO can be mailed to: JANO, P.O. Box 360977, Strongsville, OH 44136.

Photo courtesy of Suntory Hall