On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Deerfield High School will host a benefit concert for “Midwest goes Mideast,” a trip to Israel for its orchestra students. Deerfield will become the first U.S. public high school to embark on a performance tour to Israel.

While in Israel, students will serve as cultural ambassadors of goodwill from the state of Illinois and the USA to share music of America with Israeli audiences. They will also seek to learn about and experience authentic Middle Eastern culture through exchanges with local music schools, clinics with local musicians, and visits to important historic sites. The mission is to foster growth and positive relationships through the international language of music while learning about and honoring other cultures.

Concert highlights will include DHS Orchestra alumni guest artists: violinists Adam DeGraff (’92)http://adamviolin.com and Anne Clark Kolb (’92), and conductor emeritus Charles Emmons Jr. The concert will also feature the Chicago Salaam Shalom Music Project, an interfaith ensemble dedicated to celebrating diversity through authentic Middle Eastern music.

The special fundraising event will be held at 7:30 p.m., October 28, in the auditorium at Deerfield High School, 1959 N. Waukegan Road. General Admission tickets are available for a donation of any amount. Donate here.Donated funds will be used to lower the cost of the trip for participants and establish a scholarship fund for students who would otherwise not be able to participate.

The pre-concert reception will begin at 7 p.m. Middle Eastern Cuisine will be provided by Mizrahi Grill.