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Sarasota News Leader April 5, 2013 Page 93 MARIA WIRRIES CONCERT TO BENEFIT HAITI Fifteen-year old soprano Maria Wirries, a sophomore and honor student at Manatee School for the Arts, will perform in a concert to benefit Haiti, on Sunday, April 14, at 4 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Sarasota. All proceeds from the concert will go directly to support Faith Lutheran's mission in Haiti, the church has announced. Born in Haiti and reared in the United States, "Wirries is a talented and sought-after performer; she will be accompanied by Alan Jay Corey on piano," a news release notes. The duo will perform Broadway tunes and contemporary songs in a 75-minute concert followed by a meet-the-artist reception. "Faith Lutheran has a longstanding relationship with Haiti, and over the years has provided financial and medical support, as well as provided computers and sports equipment for young children," the release points out. In addition to its efforts through The Lazarus Project, the church works in ministry to support the Little Church of Jesus, an orphanage in Haiti for physically challenged young children, the release adds. Maria Wirries and Alan Jay Corey. Contributed photo As an accompanist, Corey has performed with international ballet companies, the Chicago White Sox and the Florida Theater Conference, the release points out. He also is a musical director and has directed more than 100 productions throughout Southwest Florida, including musicals at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Opera — where he was artistic director of the Sarasota Youth The concert will include a short video presen- Opera. He sings at St. Boniface Episcopal tation about Faith's work in Haiti. Church, as well, and is the pianist for Gloria "In 2012, Wirries performed with Gloria Musi- Musicae. cae in Italy at the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Tickets are $15; they may be purchased onFestival, where her singing was greeted with line at www.faithsarasota.com, at the church great enthusiasm from audiences," the release during business hours or at the door the day says. The young singer has performed locally of the event, pending availability of tickets. with the Sarasota Orchestra and the Sarasota Orchestra Jazz Ensemble; she also sings with Faith Lutheran Church is located at 7750 Bethe Schola Cantorum at St. Boniface Episco- neva Road in Sarasota. For more information, visit the website or call 924-4664. % pal Church.