Over 200 global artists to unite in Mangaluru for cancer fundraiser to support children

Over 200 global artists to unite in Mangaluru for cancer fundraiser to support children

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 18, 2026: More than 200 artists of Mangalurean origin from India and abroad will come together in Mangaluru on August 22 for Symphony of Hope, a first-of-its-kind symphony orchestra concert aimed at raising funds for children undergoing cancer treatment.

The event will be held at the Father Muller Convention Centre in collaboration with Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Mangalore Round Table Trust.

More than a musical performance, Symphony of Hope seeks to combine art with a humanitarian cause, with proceeds from ticket sales and contributions going towards children battling cancer, said event Marketing Director Melita Sequeira.

Artists from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, the UAE and several European countries will participate in the programme, which will feature Western and Indian classical music, opera, ballet, Bharatanatyam, theatre and contemporary performances.

The musical arrangements have been prepared by Music Director Lionel D’Mello and his team. The programme will include solo performances, dance and choir presentations, including a Bharatanatyam performance by Guinness World Record holder Remona Eva.

The initiative was conceived by Munita Veigas Rao, recipient of the 2024 Dakshina Kannada Rajyotsava Award and founder of Musically by Munita. What began as an idea for a small recital evolved into a large-scale symphony project following discussions with the local community.

“Preparations have been going on continuously for nearly five months,” she said.

A 16-member committee is coordinating the event, bringing together performers, musicians, technical experts and production teams from across India and abroad. Ramona Mathias is directing the programme, while Klinton Mascarenhas serves as creative director, drawing on his experience in Bollywood and international productions.

The organisers said the event is intended to spread hope among children battling cancer and support their treatment.

The response has already been overwhelming, with nearly 99 per cent of the 1,700 available seats reportedly booked.

Dr Anil Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatrics at Father Muller Hospital, said childhood cancer has a high recovery rate when diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, he noted that India’s recovery rate remains around 30 per cent due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialised paediatric oncology services and discontinuation of treatment.