January 23, 2019

Students of Manhattan School of Music (MSM) present a benefit concert, Music For a Better World, at MSM on February 20, 2019, to raise awareness about the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF), a nonprofit whose mission is to end neurofibromatosis (NF) through research.

NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects one in every 3,000 people of all populations. Currently there is no cure or effective treatment for NF, but scientists are optimistic that with meaningful funding for more research, actionable treatment options to improve the lives of those living with NF, and one day a cure, will be attainable.

Riley Bragg, Vice President of the student organization Music for a Better World, who has a personal connection with the Children’s Tumor Foundation, brought the two organizations together for this concert.

“My cousin was diagnosed with 12 tumors in her brain and on her spine when she was just a kid,” says Riley. “At her age, her biggest worries should have been school, sports, and friends—not radiation therapy or multiple procedures and brain surgeries.”

“CTF has been at the forefront, doing tireless research for children just like my cousin,” says Riley. “Unfortunately, her battle ended September 24, 2017. She fought courageously and CTF continues that fight to put an end to Neurofibromatosis. My cousin was a bright, caring, generous, and loving human being. She is what inspires me to this day, and I just know that she would be proud of what we are doing with this concert.”

This is the fourth benefit concert organized by Music for a Better World at MSM since 2016. Previous concerts supported alleviating hunger, providing hurricane relief, and suicide awareness.

This year’s concert showcases jazz, choral, piano, violin, musical theatre, and contemporary music performances by student soloists, duets, trios, and ensembles performing works by George Gershwin, Franz Schubert, Oscar Peterson, Benjamin Britten, and many more.

“Music on its own is a truly incredible product of human genius and holds a special place in human history, as do all the arts,” said Adam Goldstein, President of Music for a Better World. “But it is made all the more special when it is used to support a great cause. Music can be a powerful force for positive change. On February 20th, students of all backgrounds will prove this when they come together to perform to end NF.”

All concert proceeds of the Music for a Better World on February 20 will go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

“Raising money and awareness of NF is critical to driving the life-saving research that will benefit patients and their families,” said Annette Bakker, President of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. “We are honored that Manhattan School of Music selected the Children’s Tumor Foundation as their partner in this year’s benefit concert, and we are truly inspired by the students who are working for a better world for all.”

CONCERT DETAILS

WHAT: Music for a Better World benefit concert showcases MSM student ensembles and soloists in support of the Children’s Tumor Foundation

WHEN: Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 7:30 PM

WHERE: Manhattan School of Music, Greenfield Hall
130 Claremont Avenue (entrance just north of West 122nd Street)
Tel: 212.749.2802

R.S.V.P: Purchase tickets in advance online or in person at the door, day of concert.

TICKET INFO: $25 minimum donation. General Admission. Purchase tickets here.

About the CHILDREN’S TUMOR FOUNDATION

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with NF, a term for three distinct disorders: NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, and cancer. NF affects 1 in every 3,000 births across all populations equally. There is no cure yet – but the Children’s Tumor Foundation mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF.