For the first time since its founding, on October 20, 2022, Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) will present an operatic concert featuring renowned Venezuelan soprano María Brea, who will be accompanied by the organization Orchestrating Dreams and young singer Rebeca Marchan.
The gala, titled “Una canción para Venezuela” (A Song for Venezuela), will feature a special repertoire of songs dedicated to that country and will serve as a fundraising event promoted by VIA to strengthen its support programs for the Venezuelan immigrant community seeking refuge in New York City.
Venezuela: An Unprecedented Humanitarian Tragedy in America
The complex humanitarian emergency in Venezuela has led to the largest human displacement in decades in the Americas. This situation has greatly impacted the countries in the region that have welcomed forced migrants fleeing the situation in the South American country for more than six years. As a non-profit organization supporting forced Venezuelan migrants in New York, VIA partners with local organizations, institutions, and volunteers to offer programs and activities for those with pending or approved asylum, applicants for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and those in legal immigration limbo.
In Search of Support
Niurka Meléndez and Héctor Arguinzones, founders of VIA and event organizers, also explained that during the gala, they hope to raise awareness among philanthropists and supporters in New York City about the situation affecting displaced Venezuelans, who can donate to support VIA’s activities. Meléndez and Arguinzones expressed their gratitude to María Brea for supporting the work of this NGO.
“For one night, her voice will be our voice. We want to reach higher and farther to continue raising awareness about the situation in Venezuela and the challenges faced by its displaced people around the world. “
“Una canción para Venezuela” will occur on October 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 529 West 121st Street in New York City. For more information, visit the website www.vianyc.org/concert or the organization’s social media at www.instagram.com/vianycorg.