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Memorial Concert For Padoh Mahn Sha – London

A fundraising concert to raise money for the memorial fund set up following the assassination of Padoh Mahn Sha will be held in London today. It is the first public event to raise money for the fund.

The Iuventus Quartet will be performing Haydn and Dvorak at the concert. Ruth Rogers, a member of the Quartet, recently visited the Thai Burma border and performed for Padoh Mahn Sha and other Karen National Union leaders just days before he was killed. They have also performed classical music concerts in refugee camps on the border.

“This concert is to honour a wonderful man,” said Ruth Rogers. “We are also raising money for the fund set up in Pahoh Mahn Sha’s memory, which will be used for education and fighting poverty in Karen state.”
In addition to the musical performance, friends, family and others who knew Padoh Mahn Sha will pay tribute to his life and work. These include Saw David Thackerbaw of the Karen National Union, Nant Zoya Phan, Mark Farmaner, Director of the Burma Campaign UK, a poem by Juliet Rogers, and a reading of a message from Benedict Rogers, Advocacy Officer for Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The memorial fund that the concert is being held for will soon be formally established as the Phan Foundation. It will support projects promoting education and fighting poverty in Karen State, Burma. It was established by the four children of Padoh Mahn Sha;  Saw Say Say Phan, Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, Nant Zoya Phan, and Slone Phan.

“Our father had a dream of every child in Karen State having access to a proper education so that they could have the opportunity fulfill their potential in life,” said Zoya Phan. “We are very grateful to the Iuventus Quartet for helping the Phan Foundation to raise money that will give Karen children a chance for a better life.”

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