Editor:

The Voices Of Eve 'N Angels children's choir, VOENA, performed the "Voices of Many Lands" concert on Nov. 10 at the Liberty High School Performing Arts Center. The choir was joined by guest artist Gideon Bendile, whose multi-talented voice is heard on the sound track in the movie "The Lion King."

The event, produced by the Contra Costa Ministers Conference, was a huge success, as the choir performed to an audience of over 400 adults and children. The purpose of bringing VOENA to Brentwood was to inspire East County families to become a part of this diverse and talented choir, in the hopes of starting an East County location for rehearsals.

We are delighted to report an excellent response from interested parents and teenagers and we are now looking for a local rehearsal location.

VOENA was founded in 1994 and is directed by Annabelle Marie. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing musical education for children from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. Boys and girls from ages 6 to 18 tour the world as goodwill ambassadors, representing up to 35 cultures with over 100 voices. They have performed at the White House for presidents Clinton and Bush, at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II, at Carnegie Hall, the Napa Valley Opera House and more. We are excited to bring this opportunity for local children and youth to be a part of this world-renowned choir. It could not have happened without the support of our local community.

We are grateful to the sponsors who made this possible and would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Brentwood Press, the city of Brentwood and the Arts Commission, American Underground, Presidio Bank of Walnut Creek, America's Good News, Dellinger Concrete, Capital Builders, Raley's Supermarkets, Weathervane Western Wear, Ricker Insurance Services, Maverick Business Advisors, The Carpenter's Shop International, Reagan Management Services and 1 Minute Math Tutoring.

A special note of gratitude to the students from Liberty High School who did such a great job on the sound and lighting effects for the concert. They showed a high level of excellence.

There were many volunteers and friends who came alongside to make this a seamless production. Thank you all for being such a great team. Your efforts are appreciated and many will continue to be blessed by your efforts.

Further information about VOENA can be found at www.voena.org, including their upcoming Christmas concert at the Dean Lesher Performing Arts Center in Walnut Creek on Dec. 19.

Ron and Pat Reagan

and the Brentwood VOENA Committee