Crystal concert benefits isolated villagers

Maude Porchet to share sounds of crystal bowls in show at the MAC Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The upcoming crystal singing bowl meditation concert at the MAC will offer much more than the sound of singing crystal.

The concert is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28 beginning at 2 p.m. Enjoy the master talent of Pixie Hobby as she coaxes beautiful harmonic vibrations from magical crystal bowls; also meet Maude Porchet, the extraordinary founder of the Turkana Empowerment Project and learn about  “love in action” — how she has adopted the remarkable people from an isolated village in northern Kenya, their combined accomplishments and future plans.

Contemporary crystal singing bowls became popular in the 1980s when the computer industy’s silicon quartz crystal bowls were discovered to make incredibly pure sounds.  Their healing qualities have been likened to the ancient Tibetan Bowls, which are known to be deeply relaxing. YouTube offers many videos and a brief history can be found at www.sunreed.com and many other sites.

Pixie Hobby, vice-president of the Turkana Empowerment Project, is a progressive environmental lawyer who is representing the NDP in the riding of South Surrey-White Rock. Her enthusiasm for the crystal singing bowls began in the fall of 1995 after being introduced to them at a craft fair. Following that, she collaborated with a group called Crystal Voices to stage a sound-and-laser, light-guided meditation in celebration of the Winter Solstice at the Planetarium in Vancouver to raise funds for a children’s charity.  While playing for another charitable fundraiser, she says, “I slipped into a deep meditative state and began playing more than one bowl at a time, creating exquisite harmonies that had profound healing effects on folks in audience with chronic pain. Since that time, I allow myself to enter this sacred space each time I play the bowls. I love sharing these beautiful harmonies with everyone.”

Maude Porchet’s enthusiasm and dedication to the Turkana Empowerment Project is an inspiration for all who are fortunate enough to hear of her adventures, courage and remarkable determination. She has accomplished what many people only dream of — turning her good intentions into reality. More information is available at www.turkanaempowermentproject.org.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet this fascinating duo. Tickets are $20, available at the MAC and at the door with all proceeds supporting the Turkana people.

—Submitted by MAC

Parksville Qualicum Beach News