The 9th Annual Many Faces of Markham Concert

Nrutha Kala Kendra

The Many Faces of Markham Concert, which took place on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at the Markham Theatre For Performing Arts, was a wonderful evening of dance and music celebrating Markham's Living Diversity and commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as designated by the United Nations and proclaimed by the Town of Markham Council.

Racial harmony was the spotlight at this ninth annual event and the highlight of the evening was special guest speaker Dr. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner for the Province of Ontario.

This event was sponsored by the Town of Markham's Race Relations Advisory Committee which promotes the recognition of the richness of Markham's diverse cultures through events, seminars and concerts.

Dr. Jean Augustine

     This year's concert featured music and dance performances from professional and community groups with a diversity of backgrounds. The following talented artists took centre stage:
   - Lisa Pinnock Fernandes singing O'Canada
   - Jayadevan's Sariga Creations playing a Confluence of Indian classical
     Carnatic music with western Jazz - 'World Fusion'
   - Nicole Leigh Bennett on guitar singing an original song, 'Jane and David'
   - Sarah Yoshida performing a jazz dance with the music 'Bad Mood'
   - Mark Braithwaite on piano performing Sergei Rachmaninoff's Prelude
      in G-Flat Major, Opus 23, #10
   - Ritmik, students from Henderson Public School, playing African drums
   - Jenna Burke on piano and singing a jazz song, 'Pleasant Conversation'
   - Nrutha Kala Kendra performing a Bollywood dance
   - Rob Davies on piano and singing 'I've Given Up on You'
      and 'I'd like to teach the World to Sing'
   - Ishwaria Chandrabala performing an Indian dance, 'Thillana'
   - Victoria Chan, a vocal soprano, singing 'Summer Time'

Ishwaria Chandrabala

As part of the evening program, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Dr. Jean Augustine, Members of Markham Council and the Race Relations Advisory Committee presented awards to students from Markham schools who have earned literary and arts awards through competitions held by the Many Faces of Markham Organizing Committee. Over 650 posters and 2,000 written submissions were entered.

Jayadevan's Sariga Creations

Winners of Literary Awards

Art Award Winners

Here are the winning posters in the Many Faces of Markham Competition.
The theme was All Different All Equal.