While the World Watched: Bearing Witness through Music

Hi friend,

My name is Anastasia Gastelum. I am a vocalist, recitalist, and chamber musician in Southern California and I am crowdfunding a project that I am very passionate about bringing to life.

From the suffering of the genocide to the erasure of entire communities that I see on my social media every day, I feel so powerless and hopeless, infuriated and deeply saddened. To see people being indiscriminately killed, especially innocent and helpless children, is incredibly heartbreaking. The inexcusable and unjustifiable suffering at the hands of powerful people that these small, innocent human beings go through every day is incomprehensible. It shatters my heart repeatedly and leaves me feeling powerless and resigned to sitting and witnessing. I am sure you feel the same way.

We cannot ignore the unfathomable pain and death children go through every day. It is unjust to do so. That is why I am curating a program regarding this issue, to bear witness and to grieve as a community. This program involves solo voice, chamber instrumental ensemble, and chamber choir. Because I am one person with limited funds trying to curate this program by myself, I need your help and welcome your support to help pay these musicians what they deserve for doing this work. No amount is too small, and no amount is too large.

Here are the projected cost/budget:

• Vocalists (2 pieces): $100–$200 each (goal: $200) × ~15 = $1,500–$3,000

• Conductor (running rehearsals in addition to artistry): $200–$400 (goal: $400) = $400

• Rehearsal Space: $875

• Venue (discounted): $200

• Insturmentalists $100–$200 each (goal: $200) = $300 - $600

• Pianist (offering sliding scale): $770

• Baritone Soloist (also in choral piece): $150–$250 (goal: $250) = $150–$250

• Therapist/Moderator (emotional support during rehearsals): TBD

• Audiographer (no video for the protection of the musicians): $250

This will be updated ASAP to reflect accurate costs once I solidify them.

Your money directly goes to everyone involved, I will not be taking any funds. I will actually also be funding this out of my own pocket. I understand the financial goal of the gofundme is higher than the addition of the costs listed above; any additional money over the projected costs goes directly to a charity that raises awareness and helps the children of Gaza.

This concert will be held on August 30th in South Pasadena. It will be a free concert but with an emphasis on pay-what-you-can to vetted charities that offer relief to people facing genocide.

I wish this program I am trying to bring to fruition could ease the pain and give comfort to the children of Gaza. But it cannot. It is a start in acknowledging the pain they go through and gives us space to grieve for the martyrs.