When Port Townsend pianist Lisa Lanza invited violinist Marina Rosenquist some time ago to perform in a concert benefiting orphans living in Uganda, the immediate response was, “Yes!”

“You can impact people greatly through music because music is something that you can immediately understand, as long as your heart is open to it,” Rosenquist said.

When the art form is used to help benefit other people, it’s powerful, she said.

“It’s an opportunity to impact lives,” Rosenquist said.

Rosenquist’s third engagement with the Ugandan AIDS Orphans Benefit Concert, which now is celebrating 10 years, will be May 27.

The concert, funding a program of Grace Lutheran Church, is set for 4 p.m. at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan Ave.

SUPPORT

Lanza started the annual event 10 years ago and has hosted it every year since, bringing together a group of local musicians of all ages to perform.

“There’s just been an outpouring of enthusiasm to be involved in the concert,” she said.

This year’s event will help 19 orphans who are dependent on the generosity of Port Townsend area residents for education, Sharon Dembro of Grace Lutheran Church said. She has been leading the program since 2002 along with her husband, Mark.

“The 19 orphans we currently support are all doing well,” Dembro said.

She noted that some of those students are at the top of their classes.

“We’ve been doing this for so many years, (it’s) exciting watching the orphan children progress through school and graduate,” Lanza said.

This year’s concert will include a slideshow and video from Vivien Nanfuka, who has been supported by Grace Lutheran since she was eight. She has just completed her master’s degree and is set to graduate June 16.

“Uganda has only one physician for every 8,500 people,” Dembro explained. “So she is a precious resource for her country.”

Another orphan from the original group of orphans first supported will also be graduating in June, Dembro said.

ALL AGES

The concert features vocal and instrumental music with a focus on collaboration through chamber music, Lanza said.

The program will include selections from Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet and Saint-Saens’ Septet for Trumpet, Piano and Strings – both of which Rosenquist will play in – as well as Poulenc’s Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano; Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6; the Faure “Elegie” for cello; and a “Czardas” for gypsy violin.

Young performers include 14-year-old violinist Tusker Behrenfield, Port Townsend High School senior and cellist Corinne Pierson, 14-year-old violinist Rowan Frederickson, Chimacum senior Owen Brummell, a baritone, and the Port Townsend Youth Chorus.

The group of musicians is rounded out by pianists Lanza, Carol Rich and Mark Johnson; singers Ayla Favati and Ginger Moore; instrumentalists Gwen Franz, Maryann Tapiro, Mia Frederickson, Jo Hansen, Dana Kemp, Claire-Jeanne, and Anne and Dave Krabill; and the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Grace Lutheran choir members.

NEW LOCATION

While the concert has previously been held at Grace Lutheran, this year it will be held at Quimper Unitarian to accommodate more people.

In the past, people have been turned away because the event has filled up quickly.

“Now, we’ve got plenty of seats,” Lanza said. “Bring your friends.”

Lanza also encourages people to come early because The Port Townsend Steel Band, led by Angie Tabor, will provide pre-concert music beginning at 3:30 p.m.

“It’s another community group,” she said of the steel band. “It’s all about getting all these different people from the community involved.”

A $15-$20 donation is suggested at the door. For more information, call 360-385-1595.