Amel USA, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants, held a highly successful musical evening at Garza Studio in Houston on August 11, 2023. The event featured an unforgettable performance of masterworks for cello and piano, skillfully presented by renowned musicians Christophe Wagner and Ben Sieben. This evening was not only a celebration of music but also a powerful fundraiser aimed at supporting leadership coaching programs for refugees and migrants in Houston.
The musical evening featured a carefully curated program that highlighted the talents of both musicians, bringing classical music to life while raising funds to support Amel USA’s mission. The proceeds from the event will directly benefit leadership development initiatives aimed at empowering refugees and migrants by equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to build successful futures in their new communities.
“Events like these are a perfect blend of art and action,” said Assaad Mohanna, the Founder and President Director of Amel USA. “The evening served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of refugees, and we are grateful for the support of our community. The leadership programs we are able to offer thanks to donations like these are helping to break down barriers and provide opportunities for those who need them most.”
The event also provided an opportunity for community members to learn more about Amel USA’s various initiatives. These include legal assistance, educational resources, and vocational training that support refugees as they transition to new lives. With a strong focus on social integration, Amel USA offers leadership coaching and personal development workshops aimed at building self-sufficiency among the refugee population.
Wagner and Sieben’s performances added an air of sophistication and cultural richness to the evening, with both artists performing renowned compositions that left the audience captivated. Their dedication to the cause, alongside the generosity of attendees, made the event a memorable success.
Amel USA continues to work tirelessly to empower displaced individuals and families, with a focus on fostering leadership skills and enhancing opportunities for refugees in Houston. Through partnerships and community engagement, the organization aims to create a brighter future for those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and hardship.
About the performers
Christoph Wagner, a native of Germany, is a prize-winning cellist and sought-after pedagogue and lecturer who enjoys a diverse, international career. He received numerous awards including prizes at the German Youth Competition Jugend Musiziert, Ribalta Mozart Italia in Italy, Peter-Pirazzi-Competition in Germany in 2013, and the National Society of Arts and Letters competition in Bloomington, Indiana in both 2016 and 2017. As a member of the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, Wagner performed in major concert halls in Europe such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the Concertgebouw Amsterdam under renowned conductors including Jonathan Nott, Lothar Zagrosek and Stefan Asbury. Christoph Wagner received a Bachelor of Music at the University of Music Frankfurt, a Master of Music at Indiana University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston.
Ben Sieben is a prolific Collaborative Pianist and Vocal Coach in the Houston area. Originally from Bay City, Texas, Ben studied Piano Performance at Houston Baptist University before pursuing a master’s degree in piano from the University of Utah. Ben studied Collaborative Piano at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since 2018, Ben has performed in numerous auditions, private coachings, voice lessons, choirs, opera, and churches, including HGOco, Houston Saengerbund, the Houston Symphony Chorus, Operativo, among other institutions. Ben has played under the direction of notable directors such as Craig Hella Johnson. He has taken master classes with Martin Katz, Rita Sloan, John Churchwell, and other collaborative pianists. Ben is a staff accompanist and adjunct professor at HBU and frequently coaches singers at Sam Houston State University. He is passionate about helping young singers grow in their artistry and find more ease in their performance.
