Visiting concert pianist Dr David Glen Hatch, together with some of his prize-winning proteges, captivated Wellingtonians last Friday 13 June during a benefit concert held at the Hunter Council Chamber of the Victoria University of Wellington.
The charity concert was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of which Dr Hatch is a member. Proceeds of the concert will go to the Wellington Homeless Women's Trust (WHWT).
- David Hatch Charity Concert in Wellington
- David Hatch Charity Concert
- David Hatch Charity Concert in Wellington
- David Hatch Benefit Concert
- David Hatch Benefit Concert
- David Hatch and Students at Christchurch Hospital Charity Event
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
"That was exhilarating!" said Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown after the concert. The mayor expressed her appreciation to Dr Hatch and his wards for choosing to help WHWT. Awed by the spectacular artistry displayed during the concert, Mayor Wade-Brown also extended an invitation to Dr Hatch to the Wellington International Music Festival.
"We are thrilled to be able to combine a wonderful cultural event with supporting the tremendous work of the Wellington Homeless Women's Trust," said Peter Thomson, president of the Wellington Stake of the Church.
"It was a privilege for us to witness such stunning performances from Dr Hatch and his students, who are all members of the Church, and we thank them for coming to Wellington, sharing their talents and being instruments in helping others," President Thomson said.
Sister Marcellin Wilson, founding member and treasurer of WHWT, said, "It was so fortifying to see young men and women pursuing excellence in music.”
“Our gratitude of course for like-minded people who see sheltering the homeless as one of the beatitudes to be followed," the 2013 Wellingtonian of the Year added.
19-year-old Mark Schraedel, one of Dr Hatch's students, said, "I am very glad that our performance is actually going to support something that is necessary for life."
Dr Hatch added, "We love charity and we are very happy to be here in the capital city… New Zealand is gorgeous, it's a beautiful place.”
Asked what advice he could give to young people, Dr Hatch said, "I would say that they accomplish something and be productive. They have God-given talents and they need to develop them."
Dr Hatch enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist and guest artist with symphony orchestras on six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
Dr. Hatch obtained his BMU degree from Brigham Young University where he received the Outstanding Pianist Award and competed his MM and DMA degrees summa cum laude from the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri–Kansas City where he received the Outstanding Graduate Pianist Award.
He and his wife Paula are the parents of five children and reside in Orem, Utah, United States.