Benjamin Makisi to perform in JRS fundraiser

Benjamin Makisi

Internationally renowned Lyric Tenor Benjamin Makisi will be performing at Heythrop College on 24 August to raise funds for the work of JRS-UK among refugees.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, of Tongan and Samoan descent, Benjamin's magnificent voice has won him standing ovations around the world, with an opera repertoire that includes roles in Cosi Fan Tutte, Norma, II Barbiere il Siviglia, Rigoletto, Madam Butterfly and Tales of Hoffman.

Benjamin Makisi began singing with the Tongan Wesley Methodist church choir in Wellington and was encouraged to pursue singing as a career by his parents. He graduated with a Master of Performance (Opera) with High Distinction from the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from Victoria University in Wellington. He had also received his tutoring in New York, London and in Italy.

He has performed with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Sir Donald McIntyre and the late Sir Howard Morrison. He sang for the State funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary, which was broadcast all around the world.

Benjamin also has an extensive concert repertoire, which has taken him to New York, London, Tuscany, Barcelona, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Pacific Islands.

Benjamin is currently based in London and his concert on 24 August will raising funds on behalf of the Day Centre for destitute asylum seekers run by the Jesuit Refugee Service UK at the Hurtado Jesuit Centre in Wapping, East London. The Day Centre provides a service for destitute asylum seekers who are not eligible for and do not receive asylum support or assistance from social services. It welcomes people of all nationalities and all faiths (or none), offering practical assistance tailored to an individual's needs, whether they find themselves destitute or detained under immigration rules.

Louise Zanré, Director of JRS-UK, said: "We are excited to have this opportunity to raise important issues with people who may not have come across JRS before such as music lovers. We are grateful that Benjamin Makisi is willing to offer his talents to help refugees that come to JRS as part of a celebration of the gifts that we can all share to promote justice and fairness for everyone."

The concert at Heythrop College in Kensington will also include poetry and readings and a photo exhibition. It will be preceded by a drinks reception at 6.30pm, with the concert starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £20 and are available from JRS UK, Hurtado Jesuit Centre, 2 Chandler Street, London E1W 2QT. Tel: 020 74887310 or email uk@jrs.net