Lorna Golding - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Picturesque Vale Royal will soon host the classical sounds of talented local and international musicians.

The event, scheduled for May 3, is a fundraising venture of the Jamaica Early Childhood Development Foundation, and is being spearheaded by Lorna Golding, wife of the prime minister of Jamaica.

According to Mrs Golding, the foundation was established to raise funds to help with the enhancement of early childhood development in Jamaica.

Education transformation

"I strongly believe that there needs to be a transformation of early childhood development here in Jamaica. We have to take an integrated approach towards this move and I know that the foundation can play an integral part," said Mrs Golding.

"We have to start from the very beginning and foster a stronger and better foundation for our children, and that is the major objective of this event," she added.

Local musicians Peter Ashbourne, of the Jamaica School of Music, as well as the Cool Runnings Reggae Band of the Edna Manley College School of Music and the Tivoli Gardens junior dancers will provide the early entertainment for the night's proceedings. Mihae Lee, Quartet Musican from the Julliard School of Music in New York, will be featured performer of the evening.

Mihae Lee is a celebrated pianist who has been captivating audiences in Asia, Europe and North America in solo recitals and chamber music concerts for two decades. Lee has appeared at such venues as Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Jordan Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Academia Nationale de Santa Cecilia in Rome, Warsaw National Philharmonic Hall and Taipei National Hall.

Born in Seoul, Korea, Mihae Lee had won virtually all the competitions available to her by the age of 13. She had her professional debut at age 14 with the Korean National Orchestra after becoming the youngest grand prize winner at the prestigious National Competition held by the President of Korea. She has, since, received her bachelor and master's degrees from the Juilliard School and Artist Diploma from the New England Conservatory.

Part of the cast

Mrs Golding stated that she is extremely happy that Lee will be a part of this musical showcase and is equally ecstatic that she will be joining the cast of local musicians scheduled to perform.

"This will be Ms Lee's first time performing in Jamaica. It will be a great experience for Jamaica and all Jamaicans should welcome this illustrious performer. I have received the blessings of the minister of education and the prime minister, my husband, to undertake this very worthy task."

The fund-raiser begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and show time is 8 p.m. sharp. Tickets cost $5,000. For more information kindly call 579-3006.