In its 25th anniversary this year, Toyota Classics hosted a dazzling fundraising evening at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur. The spectacular orchestral performance on the 11th of November was held in celebration of what has long been acknowledged as one of the longest running philanthropic efforts in the country.
“UMW Toyota Motor hopes to expand the frontiers of classical orchestra with this musical extravaganza that will truly touch lives, far beyond the stage. With this 25th anniversary, we are especially humbled at how the Toyota Classics programme has positively transformed thousands of lives over the years,” says Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
At the milestone of its silver jubilee, it is obvious that the Toyota Classics has truly come into its own. Defining the landscape of corporate social responsibility for this long, its standing in the community was reflected in the response towards at the gala evening. With a long list of orchestras under its belt, and with the support of attendees over the years, the Toyota Classics has raised more than RM7 million to benefit close to 60 charitable and non-governmental organisations.
This year, the Toyota Classics featured the Covent Garden Soloists Orchestra from London. The orchestra under the baton of world-renowned Spanish pedagogue conductor Miguel Angel Navarro, performed a virtuosic, highly selective repertoire that channeled the vivid drama of the silver screen. Vasko Vassilev, Bulgarian violin prodigy, was electrifying as featured violin soloist at the gala concert; and Pamela Nicholson, piano soloist held the audience’s attention with equal verve. She also played the role of composer and arranger for the orchestra.
The evening was a mélange of colour and sound, and did not disappoint the rapt audience which included His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, the Sultan of Selangor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. His Excellency Dr Makio Miyagawa from Japan was also present at this year’s Toyota Classics concert.
Proceeds from this year’s ticket sales and corporate donations amounted to RM 425,000. The funds were channeled to four charitable and non-governmental organizations to cater for each specific need. The Lung Foundation of Malaysia will utilise the funds for the purchase of respiratory support equipment for their less fortunate patients who cannot afford to purchase this equipment, while the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia will acquire a van so they can carry out mobile health screenings as part of their public education efforts to ensure good health and well-being of patients are taken care through holistic treatment.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Perlindungan Nur Qaseh Malaysia currently does not own any vehicle to chauffeur the children in their care for their daily activities; they will acquire a van to ease the logistic issues. As for Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan, who is currently providing medical care and treatment through their five dialysis centers will be purchasing a new van to transport their patients from the rural area to the dialysis centers.
The theme for this year’s Toyota Classics has befittingly been, “Music that Moves Lives”. Datuk Ismet commented, “UMW Toyota Motor is proud to expand the frontiers of classical orchestra with this gala event. We strongly believe in striving and making a difference in every place where we live, work or conduct business which is in line with the company’s initiatives.”
Thus far, the Toyota Classics programme has positively transformed thousands of lives and continues its legacy of representing the philanthropic pillar of UMW Toyota Motor’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
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