Dear Friends,  Looking at the Stars Foundation is a federal charity gifts classical music concerts to those, who need it most and expect it least - to the residents of long term care institutions and inmates of federal correctional institutions. We engage professional classical music performers in order to offer hope and dignity to our audiences. Since 2015, we have delivered 49 interactive classical music concerts to more than 1500 residents of 10 hospitals and long term care institutions and 3500 prisoners in 15 federal prisons in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Pandemic has  created an urgent need to support our audiences, which  are in urgent need of care and compassion, which can enhance their rehabilitation process.  Our musicians are experiencing financial challenges and need support due to a shutdown of the entire classical music "industry"... Our five year experience producing interactive concerts demonstrates again and again that the power of classical music stimulates hope, improves mental health and supports healing processes. It reduces aggression, anger, vindictiveness, and depression.  Here are a few testimonials we have received over the years, voluntarily shared by those who have had an opportunity to experience our musical gifts: "It was the first time I have been able to listen to music since my traumatic brain injury in 2013. To quote Purcell, Lukas's performance "transported" me. It was the beginning of another healing stage. I am now able to read large novels and attempt more complex artistic endeavours." Resident, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52814352_1606579073466967_r.jpeg" alt="52814352_1606579073466967_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> "Majestic. A storm of emotions brought tears to my eyes. Sadness, despair, hopelessness, a wisp of playfulness encased in iron. And, through the pain, and blinking stars, a spark of hope." Inmate, Pacific Regional Treatment Centre, Abbotsford, British Columbia <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/52814352_1606569380464267_r.jpeg" alt="52814352_1606569380464267_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> COVID-19 has forced us to take a break, but we have decided to restart our program in a virtual mode effective immediately and are raising funds, required to professionally record on video a series of five "interactive" classical music concerts, which will then be shown to our audiences across Canada. Performers will include our "regular" collaborators — our featured artist, internationally acclaimed pianist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mPk9EtSmI8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lukas Geniušas</a> , world class musicians from The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, RCM Glenn Gould School of Music, and a number of leading Canadian performers, who have all been challenged by COVID-19 restrictions on their opportunities to perform. The average cost of one video concert will be in the range of $8000, which includes production, venue rental fee, performers fees, piano rental, and related expenses. Since our inception, we continue to exist thanks to help from private donors like you exclusively, without financial support from any government office or agency.  We have no salaried staff, including myself, and rely on the assistance of several unpaid volunteers to realize our work. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide on behalf of our musicians and the audiences they serve. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.  Yours very truly, Dmitri Kanovich Chairman, Founder and CEO <a href="http://www.lookingatthestars.org">www.lookingatthestars.org</a>

Anonymous

Classical music restores hope where it was lost

Still $27,985 to go. Help us build momentum.