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Luis Magallanes: 2-yr Postgrad Fund

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Dear Friends,

My name is Gabriela Montero. I am Venezuelan, an Honorary Consul of Amnesty International and a professional concert pianist.

I am making this urgent fundraising petition on behalf of Luis Magallanes, 28, an aspiring opera singer from one of the most economically deprived regions of rural Venezuela, a country in profound social and economic crisis.

Thanks to the direct intervention of the professional classical music community, Luis's extraordinary talent was recently brought to the attention of the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) in Dublin. Without hesitation, the RIAM generously offered Luis a full scholarship to study singing for two years as a postgraduate, beginning in September 2018.

This full scholarship not only offers Luis the opportunity to advance his studies as an opera singer, but - crucially - to escape the worst humanitarian crisis in Venezuela's modern history. Venezuela is crippled by violence, corruption, lethal shortages of food and medicine, and the highest rate of hyperinflation in the world.

In order for Luis to make the journey from Venezuela to Europe, funds were raised in April 2018 to cover his airfare to Spain, and subsequent visa costs to study in Ireland. He has been hosted in our home since his arrival in Spain on May 4th, and will leave for Dublin on August 1st.

Once in Dublin, Luis must have enough funds in place to cover all living costs for the following 24 months, including accommodation. Initially, I will undertake to administer the funds personally, until such time as Luis has a local bank account and the means necessary to assume administrative responsibilities.

On Luis's behalf, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your contributions. Luis is not alone among Venezuelans in need, but his beautiful talent as a singer offers a unique and actionable pathway to a better life. Together, as a crowd, we can pave the way for him.

Thank you, so much!

Sincerely,
Gabriela Montero
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Donations 

  • Tito Rodriguez
    • $20
    • 5 yrs
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Organiser

Gabriela Montero McElroy
Organiser
Watertown, MA

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